When God Doesn’t Want The Glory Alone2 min read

Tola’s Thoughts On Faith& Life

I was listening to a pastor on youtube celebrate a significant milestone in the life of his church organization.

It was a milestone that took a lot of financial investment. As he reeled out the level of investment that had gone into achieving it – it was no small wonder.

He closed it up with this summation – THIS WAS DONE ALL THROUGH GOD’S HELP.

Listening to him, it sounded so right – God is getting all the glory. But a part of me felt a sort of tingle of emotions.

God did it through the generous contributions of the church members.

Would it serve the story less, if the generosity of these could be acknowledged?

It doesn’t minimize God’s provision – it elevates the church members in the narrative.

They have become partners with God.

When Paul writes to the Philippian church, he expresses his self-sufficiency which comes from God while also celebrating their generous hearts.

“As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” 

Phil 4:15-19.

God recognizes the contributions of individuals to His cause – that’s one of the reasons why the Bible has names of people in it.

We don’t diminish the self-existence of God by acknowledging that He works through people.

We elevate the sense of generosity that He has put in his people and which they have allowed to come alive.

In a way, the people’s generosity is confirming the immanence of God.

Sometimes, God wants to share His glory with His creation.

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.  

John 17:22,23