In the Book of Isaiah our good works/deeds are referred to as "filthy rags". Just reading that gives us a convoluted understanding of this passage. To truly understand the depth of this statement one must do some studying. I suggest in your devotional time you take the time to do just that. What you discover will shock some of you, and just serve as a reminder to others. Nothing about us is perfect or righteous. Nothing. Not one deed, or word we speak. The only perfection in us is His Spirit, and that which He performs through us. There is no level of spiritual maturity that will change that. There is no level of charitable deeds you can perform which will ever change that.
"For my name's sake I will defer My anger, And for My praise I will restrain it from you, So that I do not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should my name be profaned? And I will not give my glory to another." (Isaiah 48:9-11 NKJV) For His sake, not for yours. God didn't create a means of salvation for you, He did it for Himself. It's the ultimate display of His divine love for each of us. Has nothing to do with how broken you felt, or your love for Him. If we were talking about a human it would sound down right selfish. Amen? That's the same thing He's saying to us if we think that it's all about us.
Often I talk to people going through a hard time, as I can relate in more ways than one. They will talk about all they've lost, how they feel there is no way out. The most encouraging thing I can think of in those times is: "Imagine the glory God will receive when you come out of this. Your rise from this abyss will leave no doubt that we serve an awesome God." Now I didn't always feel that way. It took me years to understand that my pain, my falls, my tribulations could give God glory. In my immaturity I always felt the opposite. I believed that all I went through just proved God wasn't on the throne, that my belief in Him was for naught. Oh, I give Him praise that I was wrong. I give Him praise that He can be glorified not only through my rise. It finally dawned on me that the lower I fell, the more glory He would receive when I overcame. The key is preparation. Preparation of our spirits to properly display this truth through our lives, so someone else can see His wonder working power.
What the Lord is doing in your life, He is doing in your life. That which He is blessing you with, He is blessing you with. This wonderful life we've been given is a GIFT. A GIFT. Don't ever lose sight of that, family, never lose sight of that. Esteem it as such, share it with others as such. Give Him the glory He's due. Don't even fix your mouth to say what you've done. All that I can say I've done isn't much to be proud of. I'm sure there are others of you who feel the exact same. Don't hinder His work by not giving Him His glory. I know you've seen how people fight tooth and nail for their artistic royalties. Imagine how much more so the Master of the Universe will fight for His. Don't be on the wrong side of that battle.
No need to continue, I'm 100% sure you all feel where I'm coming from. Don't steal His glory, appreciate His love, grace, and mercy. Once a week there is a portion of scripture I read to keep me from making this mistake, I will share it with you to meditate on. Take a look at Deuteronomy 9:3-6. Tell me how you can relate to that passage. I love you, I'm praying for you. LET'S BUILD HIS KINGDOM.......
Be Blessed Be Faithful