Glory and Compliments to Whom?

"Is it possible for us to do incredible things for the kingdom yet have people give the glory to God rather than to us? Has this ever happened to you? Or do people praise you for your good works?

"When the Holy Spirit truly moves, God is the one praised."

This quote from Francis Chan takes me back to my first years as a Christian, and yet travels across 40 years to today.

In my early twenties, I read, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 KJV) With all the enthusiasm of a new Christian, who wanted everyone to know the Lord, I began to engage in good works. It wasn't until years later that I realized I'd missed half the verse . . . the most important half. Being thoughtful and generous might cause people to think well of me. But without the light, they wouldn't see God. It was unlikely that anyone would come to a saving knowledge of the Lord.

I began to let the presence of Jesus show in my life. I used words like God, prayer, church or blessing. If friends, family, or co-workers saw peace, hope, or generosity in my life, I wanted them to know Who the source was.

I've since become a writer. Editors hold certain requirements for writers who desire to be published. Should I 'desire' to be published, or is that pride? The audience of a magazine is more than I, alone, could encourage to seek God or read their Bible. But . . . do you see the conflict? How do I pursue excellence without slipping into pride? How do I accept the gift without accepting the glory and compliments along with it? How does a pastor, teacher, worship leader, or Christian musician?

My only solution, so far, is to pray for dependence on God.

An editor, who had accepted one of my stories, asked me to consider a list of stories she still needed written. I was so honored! It felt like a confirmation of my calling to write. I was excited -- and scared. What if I disappointed her? What if she sent the dreaded rejection? Would she ever ask again?

I had to put it all in God's hands. I had to trust He would help me write. I had to trust that a rejection from an editor was not a recall of the gift God had given me. Dependence would be a constant reminder of where the glory belonged, but I hated it! I hated reaching that point in my story when I didn't think it was possible for the pieces to come together. I hated rereading and rewriting and thinking it was the dumbest idea, dumbest story ever. I'd tell God, "I can do this with you. I cannot do it without You. Please help me to go forward or help me to lay it down."

I had four stories accepted that year. Sometimes, the editors printed it just as I sent it. Other times, they changed fairly large portions. One time, they totally rejected the story. Their reasons were absolutely right.

In all honesty, I read some of my published articles and stories, only to check my original copy. Sometimes, I can't believe I wrote them. And, while I enjoy the compliments and praise of men, I love that Almighty God has used my hand to reach others.

I continue to pray for myself and other wordsmiths: "God help us pursue excellence without slipping into pride."

What has God called "you" to do? What do you do to make sure you have enough encouragement to go on and yet still allow God to receive all the glory due Him?

Still Growing. How about you?
Lonnie

* Forgotten God
by Francis Chan and Danae Yankowski
David C. Cook, 2009
p.87

Weary Conscience

"A gardener who works in an evangelical conference center tells how, during the first two or three days of a conference, Christians are keen to obey the signs that say, 'Do not drop litter.' They go out of their way to carry unwanted paper to the litter bins. After four or five days have passed, however, he finds that people get tired of looking for the bins and hide their unwanted paper under the bushes. They have enough conscience to hide the paper, but not enough to get rid of it." *

OUCH!

I can't help but think of a night in my retail days. Two clerks to watch three shop-lifters created a challenge. One young girl engaged my co-worker in looking at jewelry pieces in a glass case. Two other preteens took off in different directions. I tailed one, until she turned and asked, "Are you following me?"

"Experience tells me I need to."

"Experience? Who's that?" :-)

The young girl knew she was doing something wrong or she wouldn't have checked behind her to see who was watching. She had apparently been told that stealing was wrong. I wonder how many times.

I wonder how many times we've been told via God's Word, a sermon, a friend, or someone in leadership that we need to take care in what we watch, read, eat, do, or talk about. I Timothy 4:1 speaks of a seared conscience, one that's been rendered ineffective or disabled. If I were to paraphrase, I'd define a seared conscience as one that's been persistent to a point of weariness and finally given up. But who wants to be hassled by persistent conviction?

When I'm angry and enjoying my anger, or when I'm prone to entertain bitterness rather than forgive . . . when returning hurt for hurt seems the "right" way to go, one thing and only one thing edges me toward repentance.

I need God.

His Word says that He doesn't hear our prayers when we regard wickedness in our heart (Psalm 66:18). While the priveledge of prayer is important, missing fellowship with God is painful. I, soon, grow lonely for Him.

For that reason, I'll accept the persistent conscience or, more accurately, the ministry of the Holy Spirit. For He not only convicts, He gives the grace needed to overcome the sin that so easily entangles us (Hebrews 12:1). A good jump-start for a weary conscience is God's Word. Although we need it "before the fact." We need regular time in His Word and instead of hiding sin, we need to hide Bible verses in our heart; ones that address frequent temptations. Another tremendous help is a friend who risks telling us that they recognize pride, self-pity, or covetousness in our life. Is there someone you can invite to do so?

We need to remind ourselves that God's conviction is always wrapped in love. If it feels like worthlessness, hopelessness, or condemnation, that is not God. That's Satan. He is the accuser of the Brethren, of Christians. (Revelations 12:10) Satan's motivation is to kill, steal, and destroy. God's motivation is to restore . . . health to our lives, and intimacy in our relationship with Him.

"The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but he whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy." Proverbs 28:13 CSB

The more paper you hide under a bush, the more likely it will become visable to every passer-by. The more sin we hide, well . . . I suspect the same thing happens.

Sometimes Growing . . . Just Isn't Fun!
Lonnie




* Water For The Soul
by Selwyn Huges
Broadman and Holman 1998

Book Fast #3

Good Morning.

This won't be a Polished Post (Hey. There's a future title.) Tell me, what should it be about?

I won't be including any quotes, today, as I'm fasting from books. This is my third week (one day per week), when I've set aside Christian growth books, commentaries, and novels in order to give myself completely to the Bible. I missed my 10-15 minute bed and book time this morning, but I'm excited about what God is doing in my life.

This morning, I eyed the cantaloupe on my kitchen counter, hoping I'd chosen an aromatic, sweet, and juicy (but crisp) fruit. It made me think of my book fast. After a season of eating "stored" apples, or oranges, or shipped from who-knows-where melons, the taste of rippened-on-the vine, in-season fruit is incredible! I'm finding, that after long seasons of reading man's (woman's) interpretation of God's Word, the "real thing" is absolutely refreshing and nourishing. I find myself wanting more. And more. That's a good thing, right?

I read God's Word daily. It just seems that the concerted effort of reading "nothing-but" is awakening my hunger. I feel a communion with God growing and I find myself longing for an even deeper communion.

Well friends, not polished, but hopefully motivating. I've a few minutes before work to hang out with Jeremiah or to return to my devotional Scriptures.

Who have you been hanging out with lately? Paul? Peter? Hosea? Joyce Meyer? Anne Graham Lotz? Jim Cymbala?

I am so thankful for men and women that God has gifted with teaching. I'm grateful that He has allowed me to write. But, I pray today that God causes the Body of Christ to hunger and thirst for His Word.

Ever Growing,
Lonnie