Giving Credit
"Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord" 1 Corinthians 1:31
In
the early 1960s, some unusual paintings featuring a person or animal
with huge, sad eyes became popular. Some considered the work
“kitschy”—or tacky—but others delighted in it. As the artist’s husband
began to promote his wife’s creations, the couple grew quite prosperous.
But the artist’s signature—Margaret Keane—didn’t appear on her work.
Instead, Margaret’s husband presented his wife’s work as his own.
Margaret fearfully remained silent about the fraud for twenty years
until the couple’s marriage ended. It took a courtroom “paint-off”
between them to prove the true artist’s identity.
The man’s deception was clearly wrong, but even as followers of Jesus, we may find it easy to take credit for talents we possess, leadership skills we display, or even for our kind deeds to others. But those qualities are possible only because of God’s grace. In Jeremiah 9, we find the prophet lamenting the lack of humility and the unrepentant hearts of the people. He wrote that the Lord says we shouldn’t boast of our wisdom, our strength, or our riches, but only that we might understand and know that He is the Lord “who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth” (v. 24).
Our hearts fill with gratitude as we realize the identity of the true Artist. “Every good and perfect gift is . . . from the Father” (James 1:17). All of the credit, all of the praise belongs to the Giver of good gifts.
The man’s deception was clearly wrong, but even as followers of Jesus, we may find it easy to take credit for talents we possess, leadership skills we display, or even for our kind deeds to others. But those qualities are possible only because of God’s grace. In Jeremiah 9, we find the prophet lamenting the lack of humility and the unrepentant hearts of the people. He wrote that the Lord says we shouldn’t boast of our wisdom, our strength, or our riches, but only that we might understand and know that He is the Lord “who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth” (v. 24).
Our hearts fill with gratitude as we realize the identity of the true Artist. “Every good and perfect gift is . . . from the Father” (James 1:17). All of the credit, all of the praise belongs to the Giver of good gifts.
Today's Reflection
Dear Father, thank You for all the good gifts You so graciously give.
And again, keeping Christ as our center, we will always reflect His Glory in our lives.
ReplyDelete“Every good and perfect gift is . . . from the Father” (James 1:17) Love this verse. This is so true, sometimes we can have moments of greed where we take ownership of things that aren't ours. We need to remember all the praise ultimately goes to our Heavenly father. The Lord gave us these gifts so we are to praise him and give all glory to him! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting story, with so many examples of rude behavior on that husband's part! Lord, help me to not be drawn into thinking that any of my "accomplishments" are of my own doing. Help me to not ever take someone's accomplishments and claim them as my own. Help me be grateful for what He has given me and not envy the gifts in others that He has not given me.
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to take things for granted and become entitled. Nurturing a grateful heat helps us stay grateful and happy. We need to "give thanks in all circumstances". That is our challenge every day.
ReplyDelete