By: Ted Camp, Silent Word Ministries

As God is being removed from new USA coins, it does not change the fact that He is still God. “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist (and exist)... that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:17-18).

It seems that some seek the preeminence because of their different talents, gifts, and abilities. Some entertain expecting the praise and applause of man. As Christians, our goal should be to please Him as we sing, preach, teach, and serve. We are only tools and instruments to be used for His glory.

As someone said, “Lord, Let me be a glove that the hand of God can fit into.” You should give praise to the carpenter, not the hammer. You should give praise to the artist, not the brush. You should give praise to the vine, not the branch. You should give praise to the musician, not the instrument.

You should give praise to the author, not the book. You should give praise to the Creator, not the creation. You should give praise to God, not to His messengers. You should give praise to the Saviour, not the singers. You should give praise to the Lord, not to the preacher.

As you leave church you should be able to say, “What a Saviour!” As you serve you should seek to avoid credits and compliments. If someone compliments you simply say “thank you” then you should give a personal “thank you” to the Lord. “What you yield to God, He accepts. What He accepts, He cleanses. What He cleanses, He fills. What He fills, He uses. The process begins with you, and it ends with God” –  Unknown. 

If you have breath you should praise the Lord. “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 150:6).  I recently, personally learned, that in Him all things consist and exist. He is worthy of all praise, glory, and honor. To God be the glory. Great things He hath done!“...that in all things he might have the preeminence.”  These are words of wisdom.

Ted Camp is director of Silent Word Ministries, a worldwide ministry to the deaf based in Trenton. E-mail him at TC@silentword.org to be added to the email list for weekly articles or phone (706) 657-8000.