Our culture begs us to be seen and followed. There is no end to the millions of posts on Tic Tok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. In a recent survey, 54% of Generation Z said they would like to become an influencer, and 86% expressed interest in posting social media content for money.
Is counting the number of likes, followers, and shares good for us? The same issue existed long before cell phones and computers. There has always been a problem with fame, popularity, and deciding who gets the credit.
Ever heard of the story of David and Goliath? Goliath would have had many people following him on social media had it existed in 1020 BC. He was the undefeated champion in battle. David, on the other hand, was unheard of. But after he killed the giant, his reputation blew up overnight.
You could say David’s victory went viral.
The king at the time was Saul. After killing Goliath, the people talked constantly about David and liked him more than the king. We read in 1 Samuel 18:7, “As they danced, they sang: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’”
What do you think that did to the king? In the next verse, 1 Samuel 18:8 we read,
“Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. ‘They have credited David with tens of thousands,’ he thought, ‘but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?’”
As long as his greatest enemy was defeated, should the king care who gets the credit?
Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
Let’s consider a few applications for the quote. First, about teamwork, it is a great truth. When everyone on the team contributes to the victory, they also participate in the celebration. Whether in war, business, or sports remember there is no “I” in “team.”
When it comes to the Kingdom of God, should we care who gets the credit? Let’s dig a little deeper.
God’s Kingdom would encourage teamwork. Jesus had a team of people training and serving together. The church used a team approach for the Apostles and Elders of the Church. Our ministries function better when led by a team rather than an individual.
God’s Kingdom would not be happy with a superstar stealing the limelight. We can find many examples of leaders deflecting attention from themselves and focusing it on God, or Christ.
So how should we respond when there has been a great victory and we desire to praise someone?
At the parting of the Red Sea, God directed Moses to raise his staff over the water. When the waters covered and drowned the entire Egyptian army, who got the credit? Moses could have easily accepted some praise. After all, he was the guy with the magical staff.
Instead, we find a song, sung by Moses and Israel. It includes a chorus repeated by Moses’s sister Miriam. “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea” (Exodus 15:21).
When you think to praise others, celebrate most what God is doing through them. When you are tempted to receive praise from others, point people first to what God is doing through you. Give God the credit.
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