To Whom Credit is Due

What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. I Corinthians 3:5,6 (New American Standard Bible)

Each of us who are believers in Christ have individuals we consider as the spiritual influences in our life. They were either involved in our salvation experience or in subsequent times of spiritual growth. Maybe it was a pastor, Sunday school teacher, ministry person, author, or just a special Christian God used in a great way to help us along on our journey with Jesus. They would be the first to come to mind if someone asked us who has had the greatest impact on our life. They may have gone on to be with the Lord or they may still be living on this earth. It may have been years since we last saw or spoke with them or we may still get together with them frequently. Whatever the case may be, their specialness and importance to us remains.

This was the kind of relationship Apollos and Paul had with the early Christians. Paul evangelized and established churches and Apollos worked faithfully with the congregations. It was easy for people to grow dependent on them and attribute their spiritual growth to these men. Who of us does not have our preferred speakers, preachers, and authors? Paul’s words are meant for any of us who have our ‘list’ of favorites.

Paul reminds us that any person who has helped us in our Christian life has simply been a servant through whom we have believed. They were the avenue or vessel God chose to use in our life. Then he quickly adds that although they were highly involved in the preaching and teaching of God’s truth, the growth itself was caused by God. Appreciate them? Yes! Highly esteem them? Absolutely! But the real credit goes to God. He is the one who caused us to listen to them. He is the one who caused their message to get through to us. He is the one who nudged us to open ourselves up to them as a person. He is the one who gave growth to the seeds they planted.

Certain individuals will always be special to me for the role they have played in my life. While my love, appreciation, and respect goes to them….the credit for growth goes to God!

Father, for so long I have given others the credit I should have been giving to You. I now see them as the vessels You graciously selected and used in my life. But all the glory and tribute belongs to You! Amen.

Thank You - Ray Boltz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFrdJ2V3r7Y

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.