But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 

2 Corinthians 10:17-18

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At some level, each one of us wants the spotlight.  Well, maybe not the spotlight, but at least some attention every once and a while!  I think it is natural to want attention.  Being recognized by others for something good we have done can be a healthy and encouraging thing.  

Being recognized by others is one thing, but promoting yourself is something quite different.  No one likes a braggart!  There is something annoying about someone who is constantly pointing out how good they are at something or how successful they have become.  

Here is 2 Corinthians Paul addresses this exact concern.  Apparently there were some believers in Corinth that were quite taken with their own spiritual development.  We might say that they were bragging about how they had grown spiritually.  Paul issues a sharp warning here.  Any spiritual growth in an individual's life had to do with God's work.  No person can take credit for their own growth and "commend" themselves.  It is only God and His work that can "commend" someone.  In short, it's all about God and not about us.

As we start our week, let's remember this: let God's work in your life speak louder than your work.  Let's worry less about getting credit and start GIVING credit to what God has done!