"Give Credit Where Credit Is Due!"
- Rita Larson
- Sep 24, 2023
- 3 min read
Have you ever experienced a situation where you have gone out of your way to do something for someone or to help others, only to have someone else take credit for it? This is a situation that Saul’s son, Jonathan, found himself in when he attacked and destroyed the Philistine garrison. Despite the risks Jonathan faced and the courage he displayed, Saul unrightfully took credit for the victory, leaving Jonathan unacknowledged.
Saul’s pride was a significant factor in his downfall. In 1 Samuel 13:3-4, it is written, “And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had anathematized.” Here, we see that Saul’s son Jonathan was the one who attacked and destroyed the Philistine garrison, which was a military post. Despite the fact that Jonathan had just won a great victory, Saul still took credit for it. This is a prime example of how pride can lead us away from God and prevent us from having His influence in our lives.
It is clear that this incident was a result of Saul’s pride taking over. Saul’s pride was a slow but steady descent that eventually led to his downfall. It started out small, with Saul taking credit for the battle that Jonathan had won. Making excuses and allowing pride to take root grew into an ugly obsession that destroyed not only his own life but ripped his family apart and ultimately threatened the livelihood of the entire nation. Unchecked pride can have a devastating effect on the lives of those around us.
Another scripture that speaks to this same issue is Proverbs 16:18 which says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Again we see that unchecked pride can lead to destruction in our lives. We must recognize that pride can be a dangerous thing and seek to keep it in check in order to avoid its destructive influence.
We must not forget to show gratitude and give credit to those who have helped us and to always give God the glory for any success that we have achieved. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reads, "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." We are called to encourage one another and build each other up. Ultimately, we need always to remember to give God the glory. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
It is important for us to remember the story of Saul and Jonathan. In Romans 12:3, Paul tells us to “not think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” We must remain humble and recognize that all good things come from God. When we allow pride to take over, we no longer listen to God or hear His influence in our lives. When we humble ourselves and welcome God's influence in our lives, there is no room for pride. It is important to recognize the dangers of unchecked pride and strive to keep it in check in order to avoid its destructive influence. Give credit where credit is due, always giving glory to God! ©Rita Larson 9/24/2023
Song of the Day:
Comments