| Sad to say, not all Christians can say at all times that “we preach not ourselves,” for some proclaim themselves loudly and clearly. Listen to some who speak of their faithfulness in church attendance, of their giving of their money to the Lord’s work, or even of their faithfulness in witnessing. Hear some preachers speak of their wide sphere of usefulness, of the places where they have spoken, or even of their success in winning souls. Or hear some among God’s people talk of how spiritual they are. How dishonoring to our Lord is such heralding of self, for “it is required of stewards, that a man be found faithful,” and “when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” If any service has been done for our Lord’s glory, it is because of His enabling, “for who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” Instead of proclaiming ourselves and our works, our continual attitude ought to be, “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes,” for “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies … which Thou hast showed unto Thy servant.” |
