Not Me

Not Me

Acts 8: ⁹ But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, ¹⁰ to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” ¹¹ And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. ¹² But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. ¹³ Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

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“Who broke this?” was the question angrily asked to me. “Not me” I answered quickly, trying to protect myself. “Who left the window open while it was raining?” “Not me” was my go to answer that I had become good at saying. “Who cleaned up?” was asked in a delighted tone. “Me!” I said proudly as I beckoned for the credit.

• There were times when I wanted to be noticed for good thing “I” did.
• There were times when I did not want to accept responsibility for things others considered bad.
• There were times when I enjoyed the spotlight when things were going well.

Simon was a sorcerer who was able to do things people could not explain away with science. The people of Samaria held him in great esteem, as did he. But when Philip arrived and spoke about JESUS, they turned to belief in the Savior. Even Simon had to believe.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to give GOD all the credit.
• GOD wants me to claim that HE is the only one who is great.

“Not me” are great words to use when it comes to GOD. “Who saved me?” “Not me” will be the answer, because JESUS did that. “Who gave me gifts and talents?” “Not me” is the answer again, for all my abilities come from HIM.

GOD gave me everything I have and placed me in places I am amazed at. HE is my provider, protector and pursuer. I am grateful HE goes after me when I run away from HIM.

• Are you trying to get likes and congratulations from people?
• Do you seek public affirmation for what “you” do?
• Will you start giving GOD credit for your gifts and talents so people will believe in JESUS today?

Taking Credit

Psalm 59: ¹⁷ You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
    you, God, are my fortress,
    my God on whom I can rely.

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Prayer was approaching a habit at this time. I decided to pray about the situation and it seemed like everything cleared up overnight. People around me saw that I had talent and I was promoted. Soon after I got as tough as the other bosses. “’I’ am strong enough to handle these people” I thought to myself.  “I” made it here “myself” and “I” can reach the top.

• It is false to think that I have any power whatsoever.
• It is false to think that my health, wealth and welfare come from me.
• It is false to think that I can breathe on my one, work on my own, live on my own.

I used to think that strength came from me. I mean when I was scrawny, I lifted weights and grew large. When I wasn’t successful, I worked harder than anyone else until I was. Soon I thought I was a self-made man. BUT GOD wants different.

• GOD wants me to give HIM credit for every step that I take.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM for everything that is done.
• GOD wants me to sing to HIM and about HIM because HE is the one who deserves credit.

It is GOD who raised me up and it is up to HIM to place me wherever HE wants me to go. HE is the bright shining light in the morning who blesses me with strength. I have no might at all. I cannot breathe without GOD. HE has the right to do as HE pleases and I praise HIM for it. I can always rely on GOD.

• Are you doing things on your own strength?
• Do you think it is your might that has you where you are?
• Do you think that your sin controls GOD’s blessings?
• Can you look at GOD’s grace as being sufficient?
• Will you look to GOD and praise HIM for being your strength today?

GOD’s Elevator

1 Kings 16: Then the word of the Lord came to Jehu son of Hanani concerning Baasha: ² “I lifted you up from the dust and appointed you ruler over my people Israel, but you followed the ways of Jeroboam and caused my people Israel to sin and to arouse my anger by their sins. 

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“You are one of the best” someone said to me. I said “Thank you” and moved on. Another person said “You are THE best we have.” I said “Thank you and by the way, have you noticed how other people are slacking off around here?” In fact the more I got complimented, the more I complained about my surroundings.

• Sometimes I think “I” am talented.
• Sometimes I think “I” am the one who is smart.
• Sometimes I think “I” am needed and they are disposable.

It seems like the higher I go the blinder I become as to how I got there. Once I reach a certain height then I think “I” did it all and no one else helped me. BUT GOD wants me to understand where blessings truly come from.

• GOD is the one who has raised me up and HE wants me to proclaim HIS name every step of the way.
• GOD is the one who has raised me up and HE wants me to show appreciation by following HIS way.
• GOD is the one who has raised me up and HE wants me to thank HIM instead of thanking myself.

Recognizing GOD is a must. HE protects me, leads me and loves me so why not proclaim HIS name? Proclaiming HIS name comes with a price. It means I can’t falsely thank HIM and secretly follow the world. I must give each god to GOD and let HIM do HIS way with them. If HE chooses to tear them from my hands I must thank HIM instead of cursing HIM.

• Have you recognized where GOD has brought you?
• Do you think you got where you are by yourself?
• Can you tell others about GOD and how HE has blessed you?
• Can you take your blinders off for a moment and drop the complaints from your lips?

It’s actually GOD

Judges 15: ¹⁴ As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. ¹⁵ Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men.

¹⁶ Then Samson said,

“With a donkey’s jawbone
    I have made donkeys of them.
With a donkey’s jawbone
    I have killed a thousand men.”

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After months of development the system was finally finished. I had put an incredible amount of time planning and preparing although there were many who worked on the project. When the convention rolled around, we had lines hanging around our booth!

“My” hard work paid off. “I” got an award for it and “I” deserved it right?

• Sometimes I don’t give credit where credit is due.
• Sometimes I think it’s “me” when great things happen and it’s GOD when things break down.
• Sometimes I think I want all eyes on me rather than pointing to the one who deserves it.

Success can easily go to my head.  I have been successful many times in my career and it feels great to have people cast accolades at my feet. BUT GOD deserves some attention.

• I should practice praising GOD for little things so I can praise HIM for big things.
• I should practice praising GOD often so it becomes second nature.
• I should practice praising GOD publicly so I can point my life to HIM rather than having all eyes on me.

I don’t mean thanking GOD publicly for my foul act or sinful gain, I mean I need to thank GOD when people want to praise me instead of HIM. It really is HIM who deserves praise because without HIM I can do nothing.

• Are you looking for praise or thanks from people?
• Do you feel looked over?
• Can you stop wanting accolades and point people to GOD?
• Won’t you take time to praise HIM today?

Never Take Credit

Judges 8: ²² The Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us from the hand of Midian.”

²³ But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.”

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Graduating with average to pitiful grades was not something to brag about, yet working at the only company that would accept me made me feel superior enough to become entitled. I did not leave when everyone else left because I was studying. Soon I became the best programmer in the department, or at least that is what people told me.

I felt I needed a raise and a promotion otherwise I would take my brilliant mind elsewhere. When I interviewed for another company I didn’t get the job and had to sit humbly at my desk.

• When I think too highly of myself I start comparing what I do to others.
• When I think too highly of myself I become deserving and entitled.
• When I think too highly of myself I forget where I came from.

Gideon knew where his strength came from. I mean 300 men fought and won battles against 150,000 or more. The odds were definitely not in his favor and upon return he rejected the Israelites request to become a ruler. This is a wonderful example to me.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM rather than taking credit.
• GOD wants me to tell people about HIM rather than trying to subdue HIM and pretend HIS power is mine.
• GOD wants me to know where my strength comes from instead of thinking I have any power.

Low self-esteem is not what I’m shooting for. I believe GOD made me beautifully and wonderfully. HE loves me with my many flaws and accepts me as I am, but I should not get to the point where I think even the tiniest blessing comes from me. All good things come from GOD!

• Are you comparing yourself or your church or your group to others?
• Do you think “that person” or “that group” is the problem?
• Do you feel you can do or say “it” better?
• Can you reduce your focus on “you” and point your life to GOD today?