You Do Not Deserve All the Credit by Julie Cosgrove

“Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.” Psalm 19:13

The young athlete tearfully approached the podium to receive the first place prize. Holding it aloft, he thanked his coach, his parents, and his grandmother for supporting him, pushing him to achieve, and being there when he stumbled. Then his voice cracked with emotion: “Most of all I thank my Lord for endowing me with this talent.”

Many outstanding people will point to those who helped them achieve their goals. It speaks well of them. They are not puffed up with false pride.

I once heard that pride and sin both have “I” in the middle. It is so easy to take the credit for our accomplishments and not acknowledge those who have assisted and influenced us along the way.

As Christians, we should first and foremost give God credit where credit is due. If we truly believe God rules, then we should thank Him for equipping us to achieve what we are being applauded for doing. Otherwise, we may slip into willful sin.

The world wants us to take the credit. But what a testimony of faith if we tell them the Truth! When we acknowledge God’s part in our accomplishments, we don’t diminish our involvement with false humility. Instead, we give Him the glory by letting others know we were willing to put out the effort to become what He created us to be. And up in Heaven, our Father nods and smiles as He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

Dear Lord, help me to always fix my eyes on You as I accomplish goals by the talents You have bestowed upon me. Keep me from the temptation of willful pride and do not let my own sense of self-importance rule over my thoughts. It truly would be a great transgression if I did not give credit to You, where it is rightfully due. Amen.