“Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” Proverbs 27:2

Who Gets the Credit?

Walk His Way Revisited

When Josh McDowell spoke at our church a number of years ago, I learned some things about him that I never knew, and it has caused me to respect him even more highly than I already did. It also caused me to test myself in certain areas.

When Josh McDowell writes a book and sells it, he keeps none of the proceeds for himself. He has sold millions of books, and has given away every penny of it for God’s work in ministry.

This is a man God can trust with a message. The message will not benefit or glorify the man who proclaims it. It will only glorify God who gave it. This is kingdom work.

The other day I heard myself, as if it wasn’t me talking at all, saying I had accomplished a certain thing. I didn’t feel like I was bragging, only telling a fact. But my words came back to me when I was in prayer the next morning, and it sounded like bragging—bringing glory to myself. I could almost feel the weight of the crown I had placed upon my own head. It felt burdensome. I wanted to cast it off at the feet of the One it rightly belonged to.

My ears were ringing with the words of Proverbs 27:2, brought to me courtesy of the Holy Spirit. “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”

The Bible is full of references to the great things done by mighty men. They were sung about, praised, and danced around. Others tried to bow down to them and even pay them money for doing miracles. But only the very foolish among these great men who were used of God praised their own selves. King Saul and various wicked or mentally disturbed rulers come to mind.

If I write a devotional, it is because God has given me what I need so I can write it. He gives me focus. Direction. Preparation. Words. The reminder of that event in my life. The ideas of how to say things. The time to sit and write.

What, really, did I do? I heard, and then I typed. Big deal. What is praiseworthy in that? May I never be heard speaking of myself as if I had done anything special.

If I write a devotional and someone is blessed or someone’s life is changed, I wear no crown for it. It is the Holy Spirit who has opened their ears to application of truth. It is His work in them. I am only a vessel.

God, forgive me for any pride I have taken in accomplishments. I want to be made humble, pliable, and available to You. As long as I am useful to You, and as long as I can bear fruit for Your kingdom, let me serve You. May I always be surprised by what You can do when I am willing to be used. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.