Where Credit Is Due

The Bible is filled with stories of people who took credit for something God gave them the ability to do. A classic example is someone who, at one point, was the most powerful man on Earth. His name was Nebuchadnezzar, and he was the king of Babylon. One day, he strolled across his royal balcony and surveyed his surroundings. Before him were the hanging gardens that were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Below stretched Babylon’s busy canals and tiled walls. All around he could see the massive city walls and its 250 watchtowers placed in strategic locations.

Nebuchadnezzar walked out and looked at this incredible city. Then he said, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30).

The Bible says that while these words were still on the king’s lips, a voice came from Heaven and God said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you!” (verse 31). Then God struck this once-mighty king with madness, and he remained in that state for a number of years. God eventually restored Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity, and ultimately, he put his faith in the true God.

How easily we can do the same thing as King Nebuchadnezzar. But Scripture reminds us that it is God who gives us the ability to succeed. Never take credit for your success in whatever area it may be, whether in business, in your family, or in your marriage. Give God the glory instead.