Who Gets the Glory?
“Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and everything in them.” Acts 14:15
Many years ago, I attended a concert that featured a well-known Christian quartet. What impressed me most was the way the group ended the concert. They didn’t announce that the next song would be the last. They invited everyone in the audience to stand and worship the Lord with them. Then they sang a simple melody based on Psalm 115:1: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” The song was so worshipful that when it ended, the quartet and the crowd were silent. The singers had successfully steered my attention, and probably many others’ too, away from them and to God.
Paul and Barnabas had a similar opportunity in Lystra after Paul healed a lame man. The crowd was so impressed they shouted, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” (v. 11). They wanted to offer sacrifices to the two missionaries and worship them. When Paul and Barnabas realized what the crowd intended, they were horrified. In essence, they said, “No, no! We are humans like you. Don’t blaspheme God by giving us the honor only he deserves!” (v. 15 paraphrased).
If we’re not careful, we can yield to hero worship when it comes to gifted Christian singers, speakers, and authors. Of course we don’t say that we’re worshiping them or even think that we’re giving them the honor God alone deserves. But think about this: Do you spend more time listening to Christian music than reading your Bible? Do you turn to a favorite speaker or author instead of seeking advice from God in prayer? When you walk out of a worship service, is your mind focused on God or the speaker or the worship team? God has given us inspirational music, speakers, and authors to enhance our faith journey, but they should never replace our one-on-one time with him.
On the flip side, if you’re in the spotlight for any reason—a ministry director, worship leader, teacher, or event organizer—where do you direct the participants’ or audience’s attention? Do they leave the building thinking about God or about you?
Whether we’re in the pew, the pulpit, or the platform, let’s make sure that we always direct our attention and everyone else’s to God alone.
Dig Deeper
Read Isaiah 42:8 and 48:11. What do these verses indicate about God and his desires?
In the New Living Translation, Romans 11:36 reads, “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.” What does the phrase “intended for his glory” mean to you? Are there any habits or mindsets you may need to change to align with that goal?
Read Philippians 1:9–11. According to Paul’s prayer for the Christians in Philippi, what brings glory and praise to God? What might be the result if Paul’s requests on behalf of the Philippians become part of your prayer requests for yourself and others?
Denise Loock
This devotion is part of our series on the book of Acts.