Leif, Hershey, and I have kind of a strange movie-going tradition.
Instead of zipping out after the last scene, we remain seated and watch the credits roll. Yep. All of the credits. We realize everyone played significant roles in the movie’s production, and should receive recognition.
Sometimes when my eyes blur at the speedy names streaming down the screen, I can’t help but wonder…
What if they left someone off?
Imagine with me.
You just finished your first job on a big-screen production. Second-up coffee runner to the assistant of the assistant director. You watch the film in its entirety and begin nudging your mom and great aunt as the credits roll. Quickly scanning the screen for your name or title.
Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
Someone forgot.
Often in our lives we seek adequate recognition for the things we do. Whether it’s getting dinner on the table in time or going above and beyond in a project at work or school, we want to be recognized. We want credit where credit’s due.
Yet, God doesn’t call us to get the credit. [Tweet this]
In Jewish tradition, there are three pillars of piety: righteous acts, prayer, and fasting. During Jesus’ time, religious leaders and Pharisees spun these practices into something self-seeking. Instead of acting out of love for the Lord, they practiced them aloud and in public to receive credit and recognition from others. They fell into the Credit Trap. And if we’re honest, we all do from time to time.
Jesus warns against the Credit Trap in Matthew 6:
Yikes: Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding. Matthew 6:1
Bam: And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? Matthew 6:5
Wowzah: When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. Matthew 6:16
Jesus reminds us that it’s not about us getting the credit as much as giving the credit. And all credit, worship, and honor belong to God. [Tweet this]
We can choose to give God credit through thanksgiving, adoration, praise, and living as witness to the goodness of God. But we can also extend that generosity to others throughout the day by catching people at their best, celebrating others for doing the very things Jesus would do.
When was the last time your name was left off the credit reel? How did you respond?
“Yikes, Bam, Wowzah!” Hilarious, Margaret…and it got the point across. Thanks for this wise lesson this morning! Bless you!
Lovely to find others who stay until the last credit rolls – and sometimes they even list the babies born to staff during the making of the film. Thanks, Margaret, for this reminder. Those verses are so clear that God sees what we are doing, and He is the only one that matters. I think Moms (I’m not) and those who take leadership responsibilities at church would find a lot of comfort in these thoughts, since so much of what they do is unseen, and sometimes not fully appreciated by others.
Ugh….many many years ago my children and I were sneaking into a friends house to leave dinner and clean their house while one of their children was in the hospital…I gave my children a most wonderful speech as we drove…how doing in secret is wonderful and God is sees even if no one else does….well hrs later my phone rings… As in house phone … My sister answers the phone and my friend goes on to thank her( she had also snuck in after me) for the food and all the cleaning….before my sister could say anything my friend hung up the phone…oh was my heart exposed…but Gods love did not condemn…but exposed…what I spoke to my kids was truly the desire of my heart…but was not the reality of my life… So moments like these are what brings that gap closer so our heart and life reflection is the same.
I love what you wrote and agree. God gets the credit.
I do have a story. Once a year at our church we have an annual ladies brunch. With God’s help I started the brunch and invited lots of other ladies from different churches to come.
The beautiful lady and her precious teenage daughters moved into our community and started coming to our church. The daughters could really sing good. And I had the feeling the ladies in our group wanted the mom to step in to lead. So sadly, I stepped down and no longer was even participating and helping, because no one ask me to. It hurt for a while, but gradually I got use to the idea that maybe she would be better. Well, a year later they left and moved again. So, I went back to leading once again. Only this time when I gave the ladies something to do, I also included giving to other churches. We pick a group like those who are in need each year and ask the ladies who come to help out whether it is food, baby items, etc. It has been a blessing. Yes, God deserves all the honor and praise!
Yep, Proverbs 3:6 says “In all your ways acknowledge God…”
My husband and I always watch the credits too. Sometimes they play music from the movie, and sometimes they show bloopers. It’s one time we usually have the whole room to ourselves. 😉
It’s painful, bitter but good medicine. Thankfully, God has administered it in small doses through the years so it’s not as horrible as it once was. It’s another one of my ING moments I can always be glad for. 🙂
Loretta, what’s an ING moment? This is a tricky one. I haven’t really figured out if I am look for credit or am competitive. I generally don’t feel so — but lately I have felt I quite a bit and it really shocked me. Thankfully I can take this ugly bit to God and have him look over it…
Bless you, miss Shanna!
I love seeing the fun people and credits mentioned. Sometimes they even show sneak-peeks at the very end!
I agree, the behind-the-scenes folks may not get the credit the necessarily deserve, but, boy, do they make things happen! Thanks for adding your thoughts, Robyn!
Ooh– I know that feeling all too well. Gentle (and sometimes harsh) reminders that we serve God alone, not ourselves!
Joyce– Your story reminds me that sometimes we are called to step aside so others can thrive in leadership. Sometimes that’s a yucky and hard humility to have, but it reminds us that leadership is not about US but all about shining God’s light!
Ooh I love when they show bloopers. Seeing the actors as real people is always a joy!
Yes, I agree. Small doses are much more manageable, even if they still sting! What is an ING moment?
You’re right, Jenni. There seems to be a fine line from healthy competition and seeking credit. I’m not quite sure exactly where that line is draw all the time, but so thankful for grace as I navigate this tricky theme.
So here is my burning, deep and oh so important question. Do you take Hershey to the movies with you? The question is just rolling around in my head and well…do you? Waiting for the answer 🙂
P.S. Oh my, its tough remembering I am to do whatever I do FOR HIS eyes and delight and let the “recognition” be inconsequential. I like to be recognized. On the other hand its not really all that good for me to get “the credit I deserve”, tends to make me forget that really all glory is due God (and not me…I’m a work in progress 🙂 )
Debbie– YES! Hershey is quite the movie critic. 🙂
This is a great word Sister!!! Thank you so much! For years I have felt like my name has been left off the “credit” list for all I’ve invested in prayer in our marriage. God has since exposed my pride and prompted me to repent for my pride, as if somehow I was the one prompting the intercession and not Him. Pow! Okay then… Now, my heart has turned more in the direction of eyes on Jesus than on myself of the ‘results’ I seek in my hubby! Praise the Lord!
Love you much! Continuing to pray for you knowing you are firmly centered in the palm of His hand.
Jennifer– I think we can all be guilty of doing the same thing within our marriages. Thank you for your honesty and transparency!