Give Credit to Where Credit Is Due

There are many times that I take credit for what the Lord is doing in my life; this should not be so. Even though some of the things seem like they are in my control, I humbly recognize that it is the Lord who is working in me and doing the work in me. As you will see, the following text reveals how Peter was able to give glory to God even in the midst of persecutors. He realized that the Lord was using him and that he did not do any work in and of himself. Let us learn from his example.

In Acts 3-4 Peter healed a lame man by the temple which made all of the people go into shock because this guy had been lame for 40 years. Then, "the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them (4:1) and they were put into custody.

"And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (4:5-7).

"let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole" (4:10).

Throughout these two chapters, Peter is always giving the glory and credit to God for doing the work of healing the lame man. The healed man and the observing people didn't praise Peter, they praised God (3:8-9). We need to give credit to God when he works in and through us to accomplish His will. A great work of the Lord will result in the people praising God rather than elevating a person.

Ok, ok, I know. Not too many of us have healed someone who was lame for 40 years. But practically, every good gift is from above (James 1:17), so we should give the Lord the credit for the good that is in our lives. Of course, we all fail at this and we have unthankful hearts many times, but it will be a great benefit to us if we realize that every good gift is from the Lord. So instead of taking credit for the things that happen in our lives, we, like Peter, should give the Lord the credit for what He is doing. Whether it is healing a lame man, receiving a promotion, or accomplishing a great task, let us give the Lord the credit.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Notice: the glory does not go to us, but to the Father.