Weak Christians Desire Credit For What God Does

                                                     When The Door Slams

Does an ax exalt itself above the one who chops with it? Does a saw magnify itself above the one who saws with it? It would be like a staff waving the one who lifts it! It would be like a rod lifting a man who isn't wood!                                                           Isaiah 10:15

        One of the dangers in the Christian life is to take credit for what God does. This was the Assyrians' problem. They were a weak nation until God chose to bless them in order to use them as an instrument to punish the Israelites. However, the more God blessed them, the more confident they became in their own strength. 

        When the farmers had good crops, they credited their farming skills on their own understanding rather than give God his glory. When their army won a victory, their generals took the credit. When the nation experienced prosperity, the Assyrians attributed it to their military and political might. Finally, God pointed out the absurdity of their conclusions (Isa. 10:5-19). 

        Think about this: It is sometimes easier to handle poverty or weakness than wealth or strength. Poverty causes us to recognize our need for God. Prosperity persuades us that we no longer require God's help. Scripture holds several examples of fools who assumed they were self-sufficient, only to realize their extreme poverty apart from God.

        Samson was the strongest person alive, but he forgot that his strength came from God. Once God removed His strength, Samson was reduced to a pitiful slave. Saul was the first king of Israel; yet when God removed His Spirit from this proud monarch, he became a paranoid, petty man, seeking counsel from the occult. 

        Be careful how you handle the success God gives you! As you enjoy His blessing in your family, your business, or your ministry, keep in mind that you are an instrument in the hand of the Master.

Whoever is wise and understanding will show it by his good conduct and works done in the humility that comes from wisdom. If I harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in my heart, I should not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and ever evil practice (James 3:13-16). 

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.   

                                                                        Never Rest Ministries