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Blogs > marbella3 > The Word For Life.


marbella3 70F
2483 posts
12/13/2017 5:21 am
IT ISN´T ME
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1–11

Bible in a Year: Hosea 12–14; Revelation 4

I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20

As one of the most celebrated orchestral conductors of the twentieth century, Arturo Toscanini is remembered for his desire to give credit to whom credit is due. In David Ewen’s Dictators of the Baton, the author describes how members of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra rose to their feet and cheered Toscanini at the end of a rehearsal of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. When there was a lull in the ovation, and with tears in his eyes, Arturo’s broken voice could be heard exclaiming as he spoke: “It isn’t me . . . it’s Beethoven! . . . Toscanini is nothing.”

In the apostle Paul’s New Testament letters, he also refused to take credit for his spiritual insight and influence. He knew he was like a spiritual father and mother to many who had put their faith in Christ. He admitted he had worked hard and suffered much to encourage the faith, hope, and love of so many (1 Cor. 15:10). But he could not, in good conscience, accept the applause of those who were inspired by his faith, love, and insight.

Father in heaven, without You we would have nothing.

So for his readers’ sake, and for ours, Paul said, in effect, “It isn’t me, brothers and sisters. It’s Christ . . . Paul is nothing.” We are only messengers of the One who deserves our cheers.
Father in heaven, without You we would have nothing. Without Your grace we would be hopeless. Without the Spirit of Your we would be helpless. Please show us how to give You the honor You deserve.

Wise is the person who would rather give honor than receive it.
MrsJoe 76F
17385 posts
12/13/2017 6:45 am

 My pastor once used an illustration that has stuck with me. When we drink a milkshake, we never say how good the straw is, only how good the milkshake is. God is the milkshake, we are the straw. Important, yes, but not to be praised.
Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.




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