Daily Devo - Wednesday, April 16, 2008

“I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints.” – Philemon 4, 5

Several years ago my wife and I took a trip to India (her native home). For five blessed weeks we visited with her family, dialogued with ministry leaders, made wonderful friendships, and saw the glory of God at work in the heart of an unbelieving culture. We also took the opportunity to bless my wife’s mother, who is widowed and lives on a fixed income. We hired a local carpenter and began a 5-week construction project of remodeling her home. Several family members contributed financially to the project on the condition of anonymity. When all was said and done, our contribution was actually a minority of the total cost.

As work progressed, an awkward situation occurred. My mother-in-law understandably showed appreciation and proudly informed her friends and neighbors of what Amy and I had done for her. This was awkward because we received all the credit for something with which in reality we had little to do. We tried to explain to her that others had assisted (without breaking confidentiality), but her eyes mislead her. She only saw us, and therefore she gave only us the credit.

I find it highly significant that Paul doesn’t thank Philemon for his good conduct—he thanks God, and God alone. Certainly he thanks God for Philemon’s good conduct and life, but the praise if given to the sovereign Lord, and not to a mere finite man. In my story above my wife and I only contributed a little; but in regards to holiness and goodness in our spiritual lives we contribute absolutely nothing.

Many times we can walk carnally while intending to walk spiritually. In the church, few intend to dishonor God when we honor the service or life of those in the local body. Few desire to spurn the glory of God when we bless mothers on Mother’s Day, or remember soldiers who fell in battle on Memorial Day. Yet, when we thank them instead of thanking God for them that is exactly what we are doing. While intending to do good, we are doing nothing less than distaining the glory and splendor of the living God.

Do not honor people. Instead, honor God because of what He has done through them.