Who Gets the Credit?

~~~ Ezekiel 43:1-7AB ~~~ Psalm 85 ~~~ Matthew 23:1-12 ~~~

All their works are performed to be seen.

This is a trap so many of us fall into before we even realize it.

We endlessly fret over what others think 

about what we do or fail to do.

We are too often impressed by the works 

we observe others performing.

We ask ourselves, 'what does this look like to my

 family, friends, or neighbors?'

Jesus was warning the Scribes and the Pharisees
that their intentions for following
 the letter of the law were filled with pride.
They wanted to be noticed for all of the right correct things they did
 not for how much they loved God.
It is a temptation for all of us to find ourselves in a similar position.
We normally do not want to be criticized by those
 in authority or by our peers.
Criticism and instruction are very different;
 the approaches are therefore not received the same.

You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

....you have but one Father in heaven.

....you have but one master, the Christ.

The greatest among you must be your servant.

Whether we are a teacher, a parent, or a minister;
we must give all credit for any good we accomplish to God. 

It is through the gifts given to us from God that we are able to be successful.
If we find that we can lead others to love the Lord
it is not to our personal credit, but we must give the credit to God.

The rabbi was honored as the teacher of the word and laws of God.
A teacher has the responsibility to share knowledge of various subjects.
If one is to become a teacher of spiritual things
 one first must acknowledge that God
is to be given the proper credit.

It is the Holy Spirit that gives us wisdom, knowledge,
and understanding of things to do with holiness.

It is the power of the Holy Spirit.
We ourselves cannot take credit, for without the Lord
 we could not come to a deeper understanding.

Whether we are teacher, priest, or parent we are servants of the Lord.
It is our duty to be representatives of Jesus to others.
We must constantly remind ourselves that all
that we do must be for the honor and glory of God,
not for our own edification.

The only credit that we might take would be in knowing
 that we have allowed God to use us for his purpose.

This is a personal understanding to held close to ones own heart.
It is not something that you go around telling others.

If you are truly a servant to those around you it will
become evident to them that you are
letting God's presence increase while you decrease.

We receive more Blessings
 if we ask the Lord to teach us his ways.

~~~Peace~~~