Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt
When someone’s efforts are going marvelously and with success, they always want to grab the glory for it. They pat themselves on the back as if it were the result of their singular effort. But, when things start going wrong, the people who want to grab the credit and glory for what THEY accomplished are no longer alone in their efforts. They want to suddenly make it a group effort and find others to blame. Things are great—pat me on the back. Things are wrong—it’s their fault! Funny huh? Not so much!
God wants us to succeed! How do I know that? Because God’s Word tells us that when we take the time to learn, meditate, and be careful to follow His instructions, we will have success. Joshua 1:8 (NIV): “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
When thinking about success, we could look to an abundance of people in the Bible as an example. The Apostle Paul was one of them. He was a hard worker. From his perspective, he worked harder than any of his co-workers and peers. Given his background, that wasn’t a boast but a truth. He was a very accomplished person. Yet he did not take credit for his accomplishments. He said, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them–yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV)
When a person feels like they work harder than others, it’s easy for them to feel like a martyr. Whoa is me! I am doing all the work, and no one else cares as much or works as hard as I do. We see Martha express those feelings to Jesus. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40 NIV)
When you work hard, it’s easy to fall into this trap. When you experience success, it’s easy to think you’re the reason for it. But, as the Apostle Paul said, it wasn’t because of his extraordinary ability or because he worked so hard. God’s grace in him gave him the ability to do anything and everything he did. “…No, I worked harder than all of them–yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV)
What is the grace of God? It’s many things, including God’s supernatural help! So what’s the bottom line? Our successes are a product of the grace of God—His supernatural help to help us go above and beyond what we could do in our efforts— including the ability to work harder than others. That is to say, even a fantastic work ethic is because of the grace of God and not just ourselves. This also includes our intellectual, physical, and emotional strength that contributes to our gifting! Without it, you would not experience the success you do. And it goes beyond your gifting. Prayer also contributes to our efforts and success, resulting in better timing, resources, and God’s gift of favor with others. The grace of God and prayer combined with the right motivation and efforts can turn anyone or any group of people into a powerhouse that experiences more tremendous success.
We are all gifted and motivated differently. Not everyone has what you have. Not everyone has been graced with what you have been graced with. Not everyone can do what you do. And for that reason, you can’t expect them to! You have your gift, and they have theirs. And, since great work efforts and success always have contributors, it’s critical to appreciate and share the joy of success with them. Understanding and openly appreciating what others bring to the table often strengthens their loyalty and encourages even greater effort. You’ll help create an atmosphere of champions, and you’ll understand each other even more. All of which will again contribute to your and their further success. Most of all, give thanks to God—always and in all things. It will remind you who is truly behind the success you experience—His grace and gifting given from Him to you! Acknowledging thanks to God with genuine sincerity and recognizing and appreciating the efforts of others is the greatest gift you can give back to God and them and will ensure future success and prosperity!
Philippians 2:2 (TLB): “Then make me truly happy by loving each other and agreeing wholeheartedly, working together with one heart, mind, and purpose.”
In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt
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Published by Pastor Tim Burt
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