Some years ago I was driving across the Indiana Turnpike and realized I was close to the university I had attended and if I tuned the radio to the university station I could hear the weekly church service. Much to my delight when the speaker was introduced I knew him. In the next few minutes my delight turned into keen interest for the sermon was one I had written. A year or so prior the speaker’s brother asked if I could help him out with a half dozen sermons. Apparently he had passed them on. As I listened I was sure somewhere in that sermon due credit would be given. It wasn’t.
Was I miffed? Yeah, I was. But the more I thought about it the more I understood how wrong it was for me to be miffed. Number one – I gave it away. Number two – I have never had an original idea in my whole life. Everything I have ever written or spoken has been taken from others. All I ever do is repackage the ideas with different words. And number three – the whole point is to bring glory to God for giving us Jesus and saving us. Why was I wanting the glory? I really needed to put things into perspective. It wasn’t about me. It was and always is about Jesus.
By the time I got halfway across Ohio I had it pretty much worked out. I remembered Revelation 5:12. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.”
Many times since I have reminded myself that it isn’t about me. It’s all about Jesus. At least it’s supposed to be. Sometimes I forget.
Written by Roger Bothwell on January 12, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org