All Praise To God For What He Is Doing

For I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me… – Romans 15.18, CSB

For many years, I wanted to feel important and be recognized for my part in God’s work. And with the introduction of social media, that want became a stronghold in my life. I would post something I was doing for the Lord or something he was teaching me, and then go back often to see how many people liked or shared what I posted, settling for a dopamine hit from anyone clicking a mouse or tapping their screen. Then one day, the Lord confronted me on this, as I read Romans 2.29, “… that person’s praise is not from people but from God.” As I read that portion of Scripture, this thought came to mind. “Stop using my people for your quick fix of pleasure.” I deleted my social media accounts not long after that conversation with the Lord. But have I completely overcome this need to feel important? No. Even with this blog, I found myself, up until a few days ago, going to the stats on the backend to see how many people were reading it. As I said, I still have some room for growth in this area. One way I’ve dealt with this is that I no longer settle for looking at the stats. Praise God. 

Why do I bring this up? Because I want my whole life to be summarized by what Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome. “For I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me.” I want Jesus to be exalted and noticed. I want Jesus to be worshiped and adored. I want to live out what Jesus said in his Sermon on the Mount, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5.16, CSB, emphasis added). 

Glory to God. Not to me, but all glory to him. Why? First, because all glory belongs to him, and he deserves it. But, secondly, because it is Jesus who is accomplishing his work through me. While I may be a vessel for the Lord’s work, I’m not the beginner or finisher of his work. I get to be involved, but God gets the credit. That’s why, for the past many years, if someone comes up and thanks me for a message or encourages me through for some way I may have helped them, I respond by saying, “Praise God. Thank you.” I’m thankful that anything that I’ve done with the Lord has been helpful to someone, but I now want God to receive all credit for the incredible work that he’s doing. 

Follower of Jesus, I want you to know that God wants to and does incredible things through you. Let that sink in. God works in people’s lives, advancing his kingdom on earth, through you. Every interaction with anyone is an opportunity to be used by God in that person’s life. You get to partner with the Creator of heaven and earth daily. And as he does his work through you, to God be the glory. And as this sinks in, maybe one of you will sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit to break free from the stronghold of needing to feel important or applauded by the masses, and, instead, receive the encouragement of God by whatever means he decides to use—whether from his word or when he prompts a fellow Christ-follower to personally encourage you as he does so often in my life, or any of the other limitless ways he will unexpectedly give you his “atta-boy” or “atta-girl.”

I am thankful that God starts and finishes the good work that he begins in us (Philippians 1.6). I am grateful for God’s patient faithfulness toward us in our process of sanctification. And through it all, to God be all the praise, all the glory, and all the honor, for the great things he has done and continues to do in and through us! Amen