You are given an award. There were people (whether one or many) who helped you receive the award. You stand in front of a crowd and accept it without acknowledging those who assisted you in receiving this honor. You walk off and either continue to pat yourself on the back, or you possibly get a gut wrenching ache that reminded you that you should have given honor to the one or those who got you where you were at that moment. You may want to rush back on stage to show gratitude, but it is too late. All glory goes to you.
I’ve seen this scene both end in both ways. Which is the right way? You should give credit where credit is due.
I know I’ve experienced this myself. And I have responded in both ways. Ugh!
This scenario came to mind as I read Numbers 20:6-13. I reread it in five different translations to make sure I was getting the correct thought in my head. When I was assured, I felt the confirmation and penned it. (okay, typed it.) Those verses say:
6 So Moses and Aaron left the crowd of people and went to the entrance of the Meeting Tent. They bowed down to the ground, and the Glory of the LORD appeared to them. 7 The LORD spoke to Moses and said, 8 “Get the special walking stick. Take your brother Aaron and the crowd of people and go to that rock. Speak to the rock in front of the people. Then water will flow from the rock, and you can give that water to the people and to their animals.” 9 The walking stick was in the Holy Tent, in front of the LORD. Moses took the walking stick as the Lord said. 10 Moses and Aaron told the people to meet together in front of the rock. Then Moses said, “You people are always complaining. Now listen to me. I will cause water to flow from this rock.” 11 Moses lifted his arm and hit the rock twice. Water began flowing from the rock, and the people and their animals drank that water. 12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “You did not trust me enough to honor me and show the people that I am holy. You did not show the Israelites that the power to make the water came from me. So you will not lead the people into the land that I have given them.” 13 This place was called the waters of Meribah. [a] This is where the Israelites argued with the LORD and where he showed them that he was holy.
When I read and reread the words “I (or we) will cause water to flow from this rock…”, I shook my head and thought, “This water was not caused by you, Moses and Aaron. It was a total God thing.” Then when God confirmed what I was thinking when He said that they didn’t give Him the credit for where the water came from, I was like, “You gettem’, God”
We are told to “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10.
So remember, when you are receiving accolades for something, or even a simple word of thanks for something you’ve done, give credit where credit is due. This will put a smile on God’s face.
| March 21 |