Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- August 17, 2010
“You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 8:17-18
Some are born into privilege and others are first generation wealth. The latter are commonly described as “self-made”, “pulled up by their boot straps”, or “new money”. The flaw in this thinking is that God can be completely left out of the equation, or given credit after the fact—marginalized at best. However, God’s will is at work above man’s efforts.
The Lord determines what country and family we are born into and what stage in history we live life. Christ creates our physical appearance, He infuses our intelligence, and He gives us the drive and determination to work, live and love. To take credit for our success is to ignore the glory of God, and to worship our idol of achievement.
“And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:25-26).
The One who designed the intricateness of the human brain determines its intelligence quotient. The One who gave us the feelings of love, anger, compassion and peace is the one who establishes our emotional intelligence. The Lord Jesus is lord over all, or He is not Lord at all. So, we all bow—the successful and unsuccessful—at the throne of God.
“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:9-11).
Be careful and not substitute false humility as a veneer over the self-made myth. Authentic humility is having the ability to keep Christ the focus over the fanfare others may create over what you have done. The foot of the cross is level for all who will linger there in adoration and thanksgiving. Gratitude and generosity govern a humble heart after God.
Humility prays like the ultra successful King David, “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name” (1 Chronicles 29:12-13). Work smart and hard, do your best, while giving God the glory!
Who do I acknowledge as the giver of all good things? Is my humility authentic?
Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 29:10-11; Daniel 5:20; Luke 12:13-21; Philippians 3:4-11
Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God
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All monies belong to God. We are only stewards of God’s monies. What we do with His monies shows where our heart is with Him.