(Psalm 115:1)
Ours is a proud society. The self-centered strive for personal fulfillment and recognition, even at the expense of others. This drive for fame is only equalled by the fear of failing to achieve or please others.
Is there no cure or way of escape from this rut of selfishness or this prison of the expectation of others? Yes. Psalm 115 explains that it comes from giving credit where credit is due.
"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to your name give glory, because of your mercy, because of your truth." (Psalm 115:1)
This Psalm praises God for the protection and provision he gives his people. It extols him as Creator and Ruler and calls upon the people of God to reflect in awe that he has chosen them to be his people and covenanted to be their God.
And the opening section demonstrates his superiority over the lifeless gods invented (and manufactured!) by those who will have nothing to do with the living and true God, the Holy One. With an irony that would be extremely humorous if not so tragic, the intricate features of the expensive idols worshipped by man are seen as they are, elaborate, detailed, and resembling reality, but dead and ineffective.
What a portrait of the empty religion of the day in which many sugarcoat with piety a worship of themselves, creating gods to their liking which are designed to please them and cater to their selfish focus.
The opening verse, therefore, becomes even more important. The aim of the Christian is to avoid center stage and, instead, point others to his God of mercy and truth.
Note the deliberate, repeated emphasis here: "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us." This is just the opposite of the "me first" and "looking out for number one" mentality of our day. Houses, cars, and careers often become tools of calling attention to self, to say nothing of dress, speech, and behavior, declaring, "Hey, look at me--I am important!" While recognition for achievement is proper, and praise encourages further productivity or perseverence, when applause becomes the primary reason for living, there is an unhealthy imbalance and selfish preoccupation.
Also notice the believer's redirection of attention to his God: "to your name give glory." This does not mean one should refuse congratulations but, rather, he is to remind others of the source of his creativity, the one who enabled this accomplishment. Gratitude for the blessing of success is demonstrated by walking humbly before one's God.
And notice the reasons given for deflecting self-worship: "because of your mercy, because of your truth." We must be thankful for every divine assistance and providence. And we ought to graciously accept the thanks of men. But let us never forget the greatest accomplishment in all of eternity, our holy God sending the Lord Jesus Christ to purchase redemption for his people. All other achievements are insignificant in comparison. All other events are meaningless in light of eternity. Apart from him we can do nothing. Yet through him who strengthens us we can do all things.
While some will behave extremely brazenly, others will react to the opposite extreme and hide their light under a bushel. Too easily the principle of avoiding glory can become a selfish pretense for laziness or an irresponsible refusal to serve, an excuse to not even try or to settle for a deliberate, imperfect second-best, or a cover-up of the fear of failure. Such is the sin of man.
The balance is found in avoiding becoming either a stumbling block or a monument. Lest we be an offense to others, let us strive to do and be our very best. Excellence is always an appropriate means of reflecting our Lord. Yet let us not permit either our ego or admirers to place us upon a pedestal.
There is only one throne of worship, and it is already occupied.
(Copyright 1997, 2004 Roger D. Adams)
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