TODAY IS…

the perfect day to give credit where credit is due.

“You answered me, ‘What you propose to do is good.’”  Deuteronomy 1:14 NIV

There are many aspects to humility.

One of them is not requiring credit, or recognition, for things that we do. It also stands to reason that one cannot be very humble if we are taking credit that does not belong to us. At the same time, a part of being humble is making sure that we give credit where credit is due.

But wait a minute.

If that person is humble, they do not require credit or recognition either, right? So if everyone is humble, does this mean we would live in a world where no one received credit or recognition for the things that they do?

Not at all.

It would simply mean that those things we do that would be worthy of receiving credit or recognition would be done because it is the right thing to do. Yet, while no credit or recognition is expected or needed, it is absolutely acceptable to let someone know that what they did was noticed and appreciated.

This, in turn, gives the person receiving the credit the opportunity to pass it along to God, who created the atmosphere and attitude of service for which the credit is given, and provided the ability to do it.

Daniel demonstrated this when King Nebuchadnezzar tried to give him credit for being able to explain the king’s dream to him.

“…but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind are these:” (Daniel 2:28 NIV).

So Daniel, in his humility, gave God the credit for his ability to interpret the king’s dreams in the first place.

And that is how it is with each of us. We are using what God gave us to use, so any credit given to us should be passed on to the Lord.

When we accept recognition in God’s name, we are being gracious. But we are also demonstrating humility. In addition, we are giving credit where the credit is due because God deserves all the credit. This, of course, does not sit well with those who have not yet learned how to be humble. There are those who think that the approval of men will gratify them and make them whole. Some thrive in public accolades. But the one who is truly motivated for the right reasons simply goes through each day trying to make it a day of significance in the eyes of God, since God’s approval is all that matters.

So when someone tells you that you have done a great job, or offers recognition for some deed you have performed, thank them.

And then say, “But I couldn’t have done it without God. To God goes the glory!”

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson