“To God be the glory!” may be one of the most overused Christian lines today.
You may have been praying to start a small business. You eventually did it and it’s doing really well. Your friends commend your persistence and business skills—you quickly reply, “All glory to God!”
You used to drive around in an old, beat-up car. Now, thanks to your business, you’re sporting a brand new SUV. People tell you how much you deserve all the good things coming your way. You humbly disagree and say, “It’s all God.”
But do you really mean what you’re saying? Are you wholeheartedly acknowledging that all your success comes from God? Do you credit Him?
It’s easier to depend on God when things aren’t going your way. When a Christian passes through trials, the automatic reaction is to cling to God and every little accomplishment along the way magnifies His power. But when profits are up and careers are soaring, it is easier to let go of God’s hand and confidently take credit for your success. Pride sets in.
The Pitfall of Business Success
You may be confidently proclaiming, “To God be the glory.” But is your lifestyle showing the same? Do not let people’s praises and admiration cause you to be proud and lose sight of God’s goodness and the work He has done in you.
Was it not God who gave you the skill to run your business? Was it not Him who provided for your needs when you were starting up? Did God not give you the passion to pursue your dreams? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, then don’t take the credit from Him.
Business owners should be careful not to plunge into the pitfall of removing God from the picture. Whatever you are able to accomplish comes from God–the author of life.
The Bible warns in Jeremiah 9:23-24, “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches. But let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight, declares the Lord.”
Examine Yourself
God will never share His glory. Don’t wait for God to humble you in order to get your attention and dependence back.
Go through the checklist below and sincerely examine yourself to see whether you are still humbly walking in God’s way.
- What is your motivation for entering into a business? Is it to make a name for yourself? Your drive must be for people to see God’s mighty hand in your life.
- Are you fully dependent on God? Be careful that you stop seeking His direction and walk in your own way.
- Do you enjoy being praised for the things you do? Always be reminded that only God can cause success.
- Stay humble. Don’t wait for God to teach you a hard lesson on humility.
- Do you like people taking credit for your work? Then, don’t do it to God. Give Him the credit due Him.
So the next time you say, “To God be the glory,” make sure you really mean it.
“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” Isaiah 42:8
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