There's been a lot of activity in the NFL this week as teams and players agree to terms on new contracts and commit to trades.
This steady stream of moves is announced on TV or through notifications on our phone. As sports fans, we like to see where a player is ending up and for how much money, but the secondary element to any breaking news (whether we care or not) is who is reporting the story.
That piece of information is almost always included in a report or scrolling on the bottom line of ESPN. They want us to know who deserves the credit for finding out the information first.
We’ll see things like, “According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter…” or “Sources tell Jeff Darlington…” or “First reported by ESPN’s Dan Graziano…” Sometimes multiple reporters even share the credit for breaking the story.
Their job is to develop sources, gain trust, gather information, then share it with fans, and news outlets recognize the reporters for their efforts. I just find it fascinating that so much attention is given to the messenger when it's the actual breaking news that people care about.
The truth is, there's a part of all of us that wants the credit, acknowledgment, and glory for the work we’ve done. We want people to notice the effort we’ve put forth and for others to be aware of our skills and accomplishments.
Although being honored, affirmed, and applauded is nice, we must recognize who really deserves the glory. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV), “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Too often, we get caught up in our own glory by trying to take credit instead of acknowledging God. After all, He’s the source of life, the sustainer, and the creator. Our role is to be a messenger of His good news while telling others of His greatness.
We must remember what Philippians 2:13 (AMP) tells us: “For it is God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
Being created by Him, for Him, and through Him, we’re able to accomplish His plans for His glory. Revelation 4:11 (ESV) says, “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will, they existed and were created.”
Today, let’s consider how powerful and wonderful our God is and how worthy He is to be praised. Let’s live for His glory, not our own…allowing Him to shine through us.
Let’s have a posture that declares, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1 - ESV).
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for desiring to receive the glory that only You deserve. I know life is so much more satisfying when I live for Your glory. You are worthy of all the glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways do you like to get the credit for what you do in life?
Why is living for God's glory, instead of our own, more satisfying?
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