Our culture worships human accomplishments and performance… which leads to confidence… which, without Biblical and spiritual self-understanding leads to arrogance and pride… which ultimately leads to folly, and expresses itself as sin!
It just seems like there has been so much of this kind of thing lately… “I can…! I will…! I can assure you if I’m in charge, I’ll…! I’ve accomplished this…! I’ve achieved that!” Gloating! Trash talk! Intimidation! Self-acclaimed glory!
In light of all of that, how refreshing read Psalm 115 this morning! It helped me keep things in perspective – God’s perspective! Here’s some of what it says…
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory! For the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness! … Oh Israel, trust in the Lord! He is your help and shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord! He is your help and shield. You who fear [reverence] the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is your help and shield! The Lord has remembered us; He will bless us! He will bless those who fear [reverence] the Lord, both the small and the great! … We will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! Praise the Lord! (From Psalm 115)
Reminded me of something the New Testament says… “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness,’ and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’ So let no one boast in men! … What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (from 1 Corinthians 3:18-21; 4:7)
Wise people… godly people… give God the credit for anything they accomplish – they honor Him for any abilities they possess! “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name we give glory! … Praise the Lord!” That’s the way I want to live!
Coffee With The Lord 