I know I've said it before but one of the things that really bother me about myself is that fact that I don't always stay in the Bible like I should. And it's something I've REALLY been working on lately. I want it to be a habit...I want it to be something that I just do naturally, ya know? Not something I have to clear time for. Everything else will just have to wait. And I've been doing so much better! And I've been learning so much about myself through my daily devotions...and here's another example of that!
I am a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due. At least I thought I was. Well, I still believe I am. I just don't do it as often as I should...especially after reading this devotion today!
Numbers 20:2-13
Since school days, it's been drummed into our collective conscience to give credit where credit is due. If a person "borrows" a concept without properly giving recognition, they are guilty of plagiarizing - stealing ideas; words or creations. Oftentimes, the plagiarist pays the price by losing their reputation or career. The same is true spiritually. We must be willing to give God the credit for his work in our lives.
The Israelites had almost reached the end of their desert wanderings. The new generation was ready to enter the promised land. They had witnessed miracles and tasted manna. Yet they worried that God wold not provide water. So they complained against Moses.
Moses went to the Lord and asked for guidance. God spelled out his instructions: Bring the staff and speak to the rock. God promised that water would pour forth to nourish the people and flocks. Then Moses made two big mistakes. First, he took credit for God's work by complaining about being forced to bring water out of the rock himself. Then he disobeyed God by overreacting. he struck the rock - WHAM! Then again - WHAM!
It's heartbreaking to realize that Moses, God's faithful servant was left behind. He didn't get to go into the promised land. But God had his reasons: "You did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites" (Numbers 20: 12). In other words, Moses did not give God credit where credit was due. He stole God's glory by striking the rock - twice. But in the end, God loved Moses so much he showed him the promised land from the top of Mount Nebo and then he had him buried there.
But rather than being hard on Moses, perhaps we should look at our own attitudes and motives. When we accomplish God's work, do we take the credit and bask in our own sense of accomplishment? When we benefit from God's grace in our lives, do we take it for granted and think that we somehow deserve it? Take a moment each day to sort out who is doing what, and give God the credit - for the gifts and the abilities he has given you and for everything he is able to do through you. In short, for everything.
**This not only made me think of the things I have not given God the credit for on a daily basis (apparently there are plenty) but I also got to thinking about what I've probably missed out on because I've taken the credit myself! And I'm not saying it's done intentionally...but just that it's been done! I don't intentionally sit around thinking, "I'm good at this." Hardly. But I know I don't give Him the credit all the time and I've probably missed out on some great blessings because of it. Just a thought...
I am a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due. At least I thought I was. Well, I still believe I am. I just don't do it as often as I should...especially after reading this devotion today!
Numbers 20:2-13
Since school days, it's been drummed into our collective conscience to give credit where credit is due. If a person "borrows" a concept without properly giving recognition, they are guilty of plagiarizing - stealing ideas; words or creations. Oftentimes, the plagiarist pays the price by losing their reputation or career. The same is true spiritually. We must be willing to give God the credit for his work in our lives.
The Israelites had almost reached the end of their desert wanderings. The new generation was ready to enter the promised land. They had witnessed miracles and tasted manna. Yet they worried that God wold not provide water. So they complained against Moses.
Moses went to the Lord and asked for guidance. God spelled out his instructions: Bring the staff and speak to the rock. God promised that water would pour forth to nourish the people and flocks. Then Moses made two big mistakes. First, he took credit for God's work by complaining about being forced to bring water out of the rock himself. Then he disobeyed God by overreacting. he struck the rock - WHAM! Then again - WHAM!
It's heartbreaking to realize that Moses, God's faithful servant was left behind. He didn't get to go into the promised land. But God had his reasons: "You did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites" (Numbers 20: 12). In other words, Moses did not give God credit where credit was due. He stole God's glory by striking the rock - twice. But in the end, God loved Moses so much he showed him the promised land from the top of Mount Nebo and then he had him buried there.
But rather than being hard on Moses, perhaps we should look at our own attitudes and motives. When we accomplish God's work, do we take the credit and bask in our own sense of accomplishment? When we benefit from God's grace in our lives, do we take it for granted and think that we somehow deserve it? Take a moment each day to sort out who is doing what, and give God the credit - for the gifts and the abilities he has given you and for everything he is able to do through you. In short, for everything.
**This not only made me think of the things I have not given God the credit for on a daily basis (apparently there are plenty) but I also got to thinking about what I've probably missed out on because I've taken the credit myself! And I'm not saying it's done intentionally...but just that it's been done! I don't intentionally sit around thinking, "I'm good at this." Hardly. But I know I don't give Him the credit all the time and I've probably missed out on some great blessings because of it. Just a thought...
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