“There’s a common expression,” Stan began, “about people being able to accomplish a great deal if the view is taken that it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”
Continuing, he added, “As with most everything, there are at least two views about this. Some say it is correct and it is to avoid wrong motivation. Another view is that it is wrong in not recognizing the importance of a contributory effort by someone.”
“The bottom-line,” Stan continued, “is that I don’t think anyone’s view of this makes a whole lot of difference. To me, what is important is what I saw earlier this morning about an account recorded in Mark’s gospel concerning the reason for doing something.”
“What’s that? I asked.
“There is an account that Jesus healed a man who was paralyzed,” Stan replied.
“Jesus did that a lot, didn’t he?” I asked.
“Yes,” Stan replied. “There are several instances where Jesus healed people like that. He certainly healed me of having a paralyzed notion about God!”
“But,” Stan continued, “in this instance I want to look at what happened after Jesus healed this man. Mark records that the man got up and showed all of the people who were there that he could walk. What happened next is essential for me.”
“What’s that?” I responded.
“The people were amazed. They had never seen anything like that. They were glorifying God.”
“Jesus,” Stan continued, “did what He did so the people would glorify God. Yes, He did it so the man could walk, but the main reason was so the people would glorify God!”
“That,” he concluded, “is to be the motivation for everything I do. The essential question that the Holy Spirit asks me all the time is who is going to get the credit for what I just did or am thinking about doing.”
“Is it me? Is it God? Or is it something or someone contrary to God?”
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And he (the one who had been paralyzed) rose and immediately took up the pallet and went out in the sight of all; so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” Mark 2:12.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you want to be glorified in everything I do. I confess that too often I want to take credit for what you do, rather than giving you all of the glory. And there are times when what I do brings glory not to you, but to the world, the flesh, and the devil. Please forgive me for all of that foolishness. And please lead and help me to follow in getting myself out of the way and giving you all of the glory for all you do so that others will see you and your glory, rather than looking at and giving me any credit other than for being your faithful servant. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Waiting for the Train 