Credit to God

We like to take credit for what we accomplish. In fact, you might say we take pride in it. We get upset, perhaps very upset, when our boss takes credit for something we did. Or worse, someone else on the team we are working with takes credit. We believe credit should be given where it is due, especially when we believe we deserve the credit.

If we are followers of Jesus Christ, we do not follow this axiom very well. Rather than giving the credit to God, we take it all for ourselves. Rarely do we give God thanks for allowing us to do what we do, to accomplish what we accomplish. When was the last time you thanked God for him allowing you to accomplish what you accomplished on any given day?

If you think this is something new, perhaps it is to you, but not to God. After the resurrection, Jesus went to meet His disciples along the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. Peter had decided to go fishing and six others went with him. They fished all night and caught nothing. As morning was dawning, Jesus appeared on the shore and asked if they had any fish to eat. Of course, the answer was no.

Then the miracle happened. Jesus told them to cast the net on the right side of the boat and they would catch some. The disciples might have wondered how a man a hundred yards away standing on the shore would know where the fish were. However, they cast the net and caught one-hundred-fifty-three large fish. There were so many they could not haul the net into the boat but had to drag it alongside as they rowed to shore.

When they recognized it was Jesus, Peter jumped in the lake and swam to shore. He was so joyous that he could not wait. Once the other disciples finally get the boat ashore while dragging the net full of fish, Jesus tells them to bring some of the fish they caught.

Notice that Jesus doesn’t take credit for the catch, even though He provided it. He makes His disciples feel as though it was their effort, and it was to some small degree. Yet, it was Jesus who miraculously provided the fish. Also, notice the disciples did not give credit to Jesus for providing the fish. Sound familiar? Don’t we do that?

God provides us with so many blessings, including our ability to walk, pick things up, think, understand, see, and remember. Those are just a few of the things we do every day around our home. If we start thinking about all we do at our jobs or leisure activities, the list quickly grows out of control. All of it is because God has provided.

One significant lesson I have learned is, the more I thank God for what he allowed me to accomplish that day, the more I accomplish in future days. Therefore, allow me to suggest to you, give God the credit for what you have accomplished today. Thank him every day. Take note. See what God will have you accomplishing in future days.

John 21:9-10 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”