TUESDAY March 12, 2019
Blowing Your Own Trumpet
And Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!” Now all Israel heard it said that Saul had attacked a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel had also become an abomination to the Philistines. And the people were called together to Saul at Gilgal.
1 Samuel 13:3-4
The Philistines had continued to harass God’s people. Then the Lord placed in the heart of Jonathan, Saul’s son, to go out and fight against them. Saul’s son Jonathan was a young fighter; he zealously and courageously fought on the frontline against the Philistines. God used Jonathan mightily and gave him the victory.
Yet Saul was the one to pick up a trumpet and blow it––claiming victory. He made a big spectacle in front of the people, even though he had nothing to do with it. Saul as a king was getting older; he found himself unable to do what Jonathan was accomplishing in battle. Instead of giving credit to whom it was due, in pride, Saul decided to take the glory for himself for the victory won. Understand, God will not share his glory with any person.
How many people try to take God’s glory for themselves in ministry? They are not actively in the fight, but they want to blow the trumpet and take the credit. They had nothing to do with the hard work or the victory won. That can become a big problem with people; it is so easy to blow your own trumpet and place the pronoun “I” in everything. Be careful not to blow your own tune, or you will get yourself in big trouble.
Another issue is many older people wish they were young again and envy the young. Honestly, if God has called someone younger in the ministry, and they are doing a better job, take a back seat. Do not get in the way. Think about it. Those who are young will be the ones to take the baton in the ministry, and the Lord will continue to bless the work.
The most effective poison to lead men to ruin is to boast in themselves, in their own wisdom and will power.
~John Calvin~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
