Did I Get Credit For That Judges 4: 9 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

Did I Get Credit For That

Judges 4:9

In the passage before us Deborah is judging Israel and she calls on Barak to lead them into battle against Sisera the captain of Jabin’s army. Barak tells Deborah that he will not go into battle unless she goes with him. Deborah agrees to go but she tells Barak that the journey will not be for his honor. Jael will get the honor for killing Sisera.

This brings up an interesting thought for us. Are we willing to do things if there is no credit or honor given for doing them? Barak is a good example of someone who is willing to do something even if he is not going to get any credit for it.

There are two quotes that are appropriate with this thought. The first was kept on a plaque that set on the desk of Ronald Reagan when he was president of the United States.

“There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he does not mind who gets the credit”.

Dr. Ruckman said that the largest percent of church trouble comes from frustrated ambition. There is a lot of truth in that. When people want to do something or think that they can do it better than other who are doing it or in charge, they get frustrated. Then they will usually cause trouble, sometimes it is on purpose and sometimes it is unintended. But either way the trouble comes.

Warnings for those who seek credit:

1)  Herod (Acts 12:20-23)

2)  Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:1-8)

3)  Galatians (Galatians 5:26 ; Galatians 6:13)

Solution for problem with seeking credit:

1)  Willing offer yourself to God (Judges 5:2,9)

• Make yourself available to God and let him decide where to use you.

2)  Be content with what God gives you to do (Philippians 4:11)

• The only time the word contentment is used in the Bible (1 Timothy 6:6).

There is a good quote that Robert E. Lee wrote to his son during the civil war that could probably help us with all parts of our lives especially with contentment.

“Live in the world you inhabit. Look upon things as they are. Take them as you find them. Make the best of them. Turn them to your advantage”.

Remember in the end God will give the credit where it is due! (Hebrews 11:32-34)