By Lisa Wilmore
Psalm 115 (1-8): Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Why do the nations say, “Where is their God? Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them…
The late Rev. Joe Lee Spencer of the Union Valley Baptist Church adamantly preached and conveyed to the congregation that “God will not share His glory”. In many instances, we as ministry workers and persons who are engaged in the next adventure for Christ (we think) will begin the process and pray to God to bless it. Some may pray to God to do a good work so that they are noticed on their job or even in the church. When we pray, we must keep in mind that it is God’s will, and He must get the glory in every endeavor, every effort, and every work that we attempt to do.
Whatever God allows us to do, He must always get the glory. Even if is just picking up a piece of paper off the floor, He should get the glory for giving you the strength and ability to pick up a paper. “Not to us, Lord, but to Your name be the glory.
The Psalmist in Psalm 115 exalts God above idols. This psalm is one of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118) that was sang by the people of God during their Passover celebrations. It is crucial that we understand as the singer of this particular psalm understood that when God does things through His people, the glory should be given to Him, not to people. Even when others are active in a great work, the glory should go to God and His holy name. “God will not share His Glory.”
As mature Christians, one of the greatest accomplishments in our lives is when we truly understand and grasps the concept that God is the One, and only One who gets the glory out of everything that He allows us to do. Selfish gain should never be on the hearts and minds of a Christian believer. If so, we must pray for forgiveness and allow God to be the forerunner and the One who shines throughout the process and the completion of His God-given assignments. We must glorify His name for His love and faithfulness! “Not to us, Lord, but to Your name be the glory”
