Everyone likes to receive credit when they do something special. We all like recognition, but is that a scriptural aspiration? Let me explain what I mean.

I know a man; someone I have known for many years. He is a good man, a Christian, and also generous. The problem with this man is that he craves recognition. If he gives money, he wants everyone to know that he gave and gave a large amount. If he does a favor for someone, he often reminds them of it. His employees work hard for him, but he doesn’t recognize or reward them. He reminds me of the man Jesus spoke of in Matthew 7. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22-2 KJV3). In verse 21, Jesus says it is the man who does the will of the Father that will be rewarded. I do not believe that seeking recognition is the will of the Father.

I believe there is a lesson to be learned from not being recognized for things we do. Recognition seems to make one crave more. It creates a feeling of, “Look what I did”, with the emphasis on “I.” The lessons of humility Jesus taught would seem to fit this way of thinking.

Think about the number of times God delivered the people of Israel from destruction. It wasn’t usually great numbers of men, horses, chariots, and weapons. Often it was something simple, like in the case of Gideon. For him, it was 300 men, some lanterns, trumpets, and torches. In the case of Samson, it was the jawbone of a donkey. For Jael, it was a tent stake. With Shamgar, it was an oxgoad. We have no record that any of these received recognition, other than a casual mention of their obedience. The victory belonged to the Lord, not to a man or a woman.

We do have instances where the battle belonged to the Lord, and man took the credit. King David was the recipient of much recognition. He accepted the praise of the people for killing more than King Saul. He often referenced God as the one to whom honor was due, but he also did some things that made him seem responsible for success. He wanted to number his men. He wanted to know how many valiant men he had, how many horsemen, how many with bow and arrows, and how many with spears. That was a mistake. Battles were not won or lost because of numbers but rather God’s support or lack of it.

Nebuchadnezzar took the credit for building the great nation of Assyria. You remember, of course, that God put him in a field to graze with the animals. He learned the hard way that he would have nothing without God.

The disciples experienced this same need for recognition. James and John wanted special places in the kingdom. Jesus quickly asked them if they could endure what He would have to endure, even dying the way He would die. They responded that they could, though they had no idea what they were saying. They and their mother wanted honor and recognition for themselves.

The disciples asked Jesus on another occasion, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1). Jesus told them that the greatest is the one who humbles himself, the one who is child-like in his attitude.

When we seek recognition, we are not obeying the command to be humble. When we give, we must give cheerfully and out of love. When we bring someone to Christ, we must give the praise and glory to God. After all, He gives the increase (First Corinthians 3:6).

Whether it is the defeat of a nation, a promotion, an honor for service, or the conversion of a soul, the honor belongs to the Lord. Our lives are a battle; and should we win the battle, the victory belongs to the Lord.

What the Lord wants is for us to show our faith in Him. Faith outweighs numbers. That is why we pray. We have faith that God will answer our prayers and that He will give us the results that are best for us and for His will to be fulfilled.

So, the next time you or I are feeling like we need a little recognition for a success, we need to place the victory where it belongs—on the Lord.

Sandra Oliver