https://odb.org/2025/06/25/credit-where-due
Daniel 2:13–19 (NIV): 13 So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.
14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time so that he might interpret the dream for him.
17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven
One of the issues we face as believers is our own ability and efforts versus God’s help. Will we attribute our successes to God or to ourselves, and I am not talking about false humility? False humility is when one deflects the glory but is effectively taking the glory for ourselves. Some do it better than others, but in the end, what really matters is what we ourselves think of ourselves in our hearts. If we are genuinely humble, our humility will not be false. CS Lewis has a good saying for this. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but it is thinking of yourself less! Here’s a good article to read on false humility:
In Daniel’s case, it was clear-cut that his ability to interpret dreams came directly from God. He and his friends prayed to God in heaven, and the LORD revealed the answer to him so that he and all the other wise men of Babylon may be spared their lives. Daniel gave all glory to God. But he could have turned it around and said that God favoured him and chose him as the special vessel to convey His message to the King. Some famous preachers fall into this trap and imply they are special in the eyes of God. That they are a specially chosen instrument to be the voice for God. Thus, as much as they give glory to God, they are giving glory back to themselves, and some use their “special status in God” to seek fame and riches.
Yes, I agree that it’s a fine line to draw. For those of us in ministry, it is best not to imply that we are specifically chosen in any way. Our attitude should be that God could have chosen anyone to do the same thing. We are all equal in the eyes of God. Remember that when God raised prophets of old, they lived a specially consecrated life fully dedicated to suffer for His service, often ending up in misery and even in dungeons because they prophesied things unfavourable to ears of the king or the ruling authorities. In other words, if we are a true voice for God, be prepared to live a life of suffering because that is how it really is.
At the most basic level, the easiest way not to take the glory for ourselves or to take advantage of any talent or gifting that God has bestowed upon us, in my view, is to recognise that all that we are and have originated from God. There is no need to be proud of ourselves and to proclaim it publicly because God can take away everything in an instance, like He did with Job. Especially so when God opposes the proud and exalts the humble. Be genuinely humble and do not practice false humility. In all things, give glory to God. Daniel was like that, and so was Joseph.
Ronnie's Thoughts 