How can we apply "not to us, LORD" in daily decision-making? Setting the Scene Psalm 115:1 declares, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness.” Every decision becomes an act of worship when the aim is to spotlight God’s unwavering love and faithfulness rather than our own abilities or reputation. Grasping the Heart of “Not to us, LORD” • Ownership: God retains exclusive rights to glory; we are stewards, not owners (Isaiah 42:8). • Motive Check: Decisions flow from either self-promotion or God-exaltation—never both (Matthew 6:1-4). • Dependence: Recognizing that success, gifting, and opportunities originate with Him (John 3:27). Practical Framework for Daily Choices 1. Begin with Surrender • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… acknowledge Him in all your ways” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Before plotting a course, deliberately yield the outcome to God’s glory. 2. Filter with Scripture • Ask: Does this align with clear biblical commands? (Psalm 119:105) • If Scripture forbids or discourages it, there is no pathway to God’s glory through that choice. 3. Aim for God-Honoring Results • “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) • Choose the option that best showcases His character—holiness, love, truth, justice. 4. Evaluate Motives Honestly • “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) • If personal recognition, financial gain, or comfort outweighs God’s renown, pause and recalibrate. 5. Act in Faithful Obedience • “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23) • Excellence becomes an offering of praise rather than a platform for ego. Common Life Scenarios • Workplace Promotion – Accept if it expands your influence for integrity and gospel witness; decline if it demands unethical compromise. • Financial Planning – Budget to honor God first through giving (Proverbs 3:9) and avoid debt that limits kingdom generosity. • Social Media Posting – Share achievements as testimonies of God’s provision, avoiding subtle self-glorification. • Family Decisions – Prioritize spiritual growth over schedules that crowd out worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Ministry Involvement – Serve in roles that match God-given gifts; refuse platforms sought merely for spotlight (1 Peter 4:10-11). Safeguards Against Self-Glory • Regularly recall James 4:13-15—life and plans are “a mist,” subject to God’s will. • Invite accountability: trusted believers who can point out self-centered motives. • Celebrate others’ successes; it weakens the craving for personal applause (Romans 12:10). • Cultivate thankfulness—every answered prayer shifts credit upward (Psalm 50:23). Encouragement to Persevere Glorifying God instead of ourselves will often run counter to cultural norms, yet “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10) Daily decisions that echo “Not to us, LORD” may not always bring immediate recognition, but they secure eternal reward and, more importantly, place every spotlight where it belongs—on the matchless name of our faithful God. |
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