In their own eyes they flatter themselves. (Ps. 36:2)
After weeks of laying blocks, we finally completed the Khumalo Wesleyan Church building. I decided we should have a celebration Sunday. I wanted the opening that Sunday to be a grand happening. The local newspaper ran articles for us. The church people passed out flyers in the community announcing the big event. We announced that food would be served afterwards.
When the special day arrived, a huge crowd came, attended the service, and ate with us. As I was mingling about, I heard statements that made me feel really good.
“Umfundisi Jim did a great job!”
“Our missionary is wonderful. This church wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for his youthful energy!”
“Umfundisi Jim planned this whole day. That’s why it turned out so well!”
By the end of the day, I was tired but feeling really good. As I was reviewing the day with my missionary colleague he stopped me in midsentence and said, “Jim, you have to stop patting yourself on the back and glorifying yourself!”
I did not like what he had just said, but he was right. I was making too much of myself and forgetting about God. While making myself out to be big and important, I was making God seem to be small and insignificant. Our God should never be made to seem small.
Remember to give God the credit he is due when celebrating victories
Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books including Unholiness: Overcoming the Forces That Attack Your Soul (WPH).
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
