The morning news anchor was just interviewing a high school football player, Dante Turo, who received an unsportsmanlike conduct call in a recent game, because he raised his hand and index finger to "point up" after making a touchdown. (See link in Sources:).
I've come to realize more and more that it's all about the glory. Who is going to get it?
The world hates the way of God. The whole beginning of sin had to do with a being who wanted to take the glory which was rightfully God's, and God's alone (Isaiah 14:13). It is still that way today. The way of the world is ever to exalt man as his own god.
This is a pit that we, as Christians, must be watchful of as well. Where is the line between satisfaction in a "job well done", and claiming the credit for yourself? It is a hard distinction for me, personally, to make. The apostle Paul saw this tendency in the young church of Rome. Note his admonishment to them in Romans 12:3 (NET):
For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think with sober discernment, as God has distributed to each of you a measure of faith.
We are also told by Paul to "rejoice in the Lord, always" (Philippians 4:4), and that includes rejoicing in God's goodness to us. He is always good, good in all His actions.
"It is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not."
Lamentations 3:22 (KJV)
Consumed by what? Sin? Calamity? Yes.
We must be sure to give Him the glory that is due to Him, for His great compassion shown to us. That means to credit Him in all our accomplishments and to have a submissive spirit while doing so.
Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength.
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name;
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Psalm 29:1-2
This young football player, my Christian brother, had it right. The news anchor asked him if the experience/controversy surrounding his "small" acknowledgement had strengthened his faith. His reply was a definite "yes". Bless Him, LORD! His "pointing up" has strengthened the faith of many!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Ah, Lord GOD! Help us to remember that ALL good and perfect gifts come down to us from above, from Your hand. Even though You empower Your children as well as the ungodly to do "great" things, You are the Source of all good. May those who do not know You come to realize that their accomplishments are precious blessings from the one, true God. May we who DO know You always remember that You are our Source, our Strength, our All-in-all. In Jesus' name, amen.
Sources:
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