Play to an Audience of One

“For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them.” (Psalm 44:3) The world elevates people whom it proclaims are self-made individuals. Many of these people bask in the glory given to them by the world. But in reality, all life is sourced by God. In the verse from Psalm 44:3, the Lord made it perfectly clear that possession did not come by their own sword or by their own arm. The possession of the land was brought about by the right hand of the Lord, his arm, and the light of his countenance. He favored them! In the same manner, believers are not self-sufficient people who can claim any of our “successes” as being of our own making. Any glory should go only to God. This principle is proclaimed throughout Scripture. The blessing of the Lord is responsible for what we have. The Lord has given people who have wealth the power to gain such wealth. In fact, we are warned not to forget the Lord when things seem to be going right. It is only by the Lord’s provision that we can enjoy life in this world. If the Lord blesses us in our endeavors for him, we must be careful to make sure that any glory goes to him and not to us. We should play to one audience, and that is God himself. The only words I want to hear someday are, “Well done, faithful servant. Now enter into the joy of your Lord.” Today, ask yourself: Am I making sure that any accomplishment is sourced in God alone, and that it is by his provision and favor I have been able to experience it?