Giving Credit

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:17 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/col.3.17.NLT

“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 ancestors, as it is today.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/deu.8.18.NIV

While minding my business and thinking as usual. I thought about how I will feel if someone at work took credit for something I had done and I am sure some people have experienced this at work from your boss or colleague. Feeling unappreciated at work can be one of the worst feelings to have. I can remember watching a movie on Netflix titled perfect pairing and how the main actress Lola reacted when she felt unappreciated by her boss who she has successfully worked with for many years. What happened was that her supposed friend at work stole her idea, pitched it and her boss gave the friend all the credit, even after speaking to her boss about the situation, he did not care. Guess what, she felt enraged and she quit! And I was like yes girl quit you deserve better.

Then I realised how we treat God sometimes too and how he deserves better but he never quits on us. Some people don't give God the credit he actually deserves. That promotion, that salary increase, that idea who do you think orchestrated those wins in your life. When you were under pressure and did not know what to do God took control and the Holy Spirit gave you wisdom to complete that project/work/presentation. Some Christians forget and take all the glory but as children of God we need to give God the glory in all things.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/1th.5.18.NLT

David is a good example of someone in the bible who always gave God all the credit he deserves.

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭105‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.105.1-2.NLT

And because of his praise lifestyle God gave him more victories wherever he went.

“Then he placed several army garrisons in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. So the Lord made David victorious wherever he went.”

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.8.6.NLT.

Let's try to imbibe David’s culture especially at work. I myself cannot count how many times God has helped me this year alone at work even with the tiniest things.

As year 2022 is coming to an end let's not be like unbelievers and take all the credit. Look back and see all the lord has done in your life. I know this year might have been tough, some even lost their jobs or did not get what they wanted but let's remember that when there is life there is hope. You have the opportunity to look for a better job or even start a business. Some people are not even able to look for jobs because of a disability or impairment or even death. One thing I have also learnt from scriptures is that when you give thanks there will always be multiplication.

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.9.16-17.NIV.

Moreover, before we pray there is one very important thing I just want to also add which is giving in kind it's not just about telling him but also show it in your offering, some Christians try to avoid this part of thanksgiving. This Christmas we bought presents and sent money to our loved ones why not do same for God. He does not need it but render your thanksgiving offering to him to show your sincere appreciation and love for God.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.3.9-10.NIV.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.9.7.NIV.

Let's Pray

Oh God we just want to say thank you lord for everything you have done for us in our various lives especially at work. We don't want to take the credit but we give you all the credit for we know we could have not done it by our strength alone. Thank you for what you have done, what you are doing and what you will do next year!

Happy New Year in advance!