Today's Verse

It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. — II Corinthians 3:5 NLT

Devotion

Lately, things have been going well for you. In the areas of life to which God has called you, things have been going really well. Your marriage and family are in good shape. You've been promoted at work and your finances have never been better. The church you go to has just appointed you to be on the leadership team. The community service project that you're involved with has been exemplary. Even the youth sports team you coach has a winning record. When you stop to think about it, there isn't much to worry or complain about. Life has been good and you're looking forward to what it has in store for you.

If you let it, you could easily start to think highly of yourself. If you let it, you could easily start to think that you're quite different from the average person, someone really special. After all, people have been saying so for quite some time now. The compliments have been coming on a regular basis. You've even been given a few plaques to hang on the wall that take note of your achievements. Why wouldn't you think highly of yourself? Why wouldn't you give yourself a good pat on the back? Maybe, you should even let the few people that don't know who you are and what you do know all about it.

You could start to think that way, but you won't. You won't because you're all too aware of the secret to your success. It's not you. It's not your qualifications. Sure, you came from a good family, you've had a good education, you married well and held out for the better job. You made all the right moves and it's paid off, but you're well aware that these things aren't the secret to your success. You'll never start thinking and acting like a vain, self-absorbed jerk. Indeed, that's one of the reasons why everyone looks up to you.

You won't because you know it's the Lord, not you. The Lord qualified you. The Lord made you what you are today. Whatever good you do, whatever success you achieve, is due to Him. And, like the Apostle Paul in our verse for today, you're quick to point it out to people.

Like him, you're quick to give credit where credit is due.