He said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built . . . by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Dan. 4:30)
WORKING IN MISSIONS, I get to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families in their journeys as they explore the possibility of a career in missions. Though I am blessed to work for an organization that focuses on development and not on numbers, I find myself battling thoughts like, “Look how many people I have successfully worked with!”
Yes, there are successes that happen through the process of development. I am able to challenge and encourage these individuals in ways that may present a different perspective for them. God gives me insights to share, and often these individuals leave the conversations with various areas to work on in their relationship with God as they continue in the direction He is leading.
However, I occasionally find myself in situations where I look at these conversations and praise the work that I have done, ultimately giving myself the credit for a successful conversation. Just like King Nebuchadnezzar, I end up taking the credit and glory for things that I may have had little, if anything, to do with instead of giving glory to the One who truly deserves the praise.
We must continually challenge ourselves to make sure that we do not take the glory that God deserves because of the work He allowed us to take part in.
Ask God to show you where you may be taking undeserved credit.
Traver Paul Butcher is passionate about other cultures, travel, the outdoors, music, art, writing, leadership development, and introducing people to a man named Jesus.
© 2017 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
