Not To Us

“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 115:1, NIV)

We were created to live for Someone bigger than ourselves. God fashioned us so that every part of who we are and what we do reflects who He is. He made us to live for His glory, not our own.

The psalmist wanted us to be sure we don’t miss this truth. It wasn’t enough for him to say it just once; he chose to say it twice: “Not to us, Lord, not to us.” Our jobs. This calling. These circumstances. All of our unique gifts, experiences, and passions. Our current places in life. All of it is “not to us . . . not to us.” But instead, all of it is to God and for God. “To your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

In a culture that values the individual and encourages each of us to make a name for ourselves, the gospel calls us to lose ourselves. To die to ourselves and live for God’s greatness. Instead of pursuing our own fame, we are called to faithfulness. God wants each of us, no matter where we are, to faithfully bear witness to who He is and what He has done.

There is no greater joy than honoring and obeying Christ. Sometimes it’s in big ways, but often it’s in small, mundane, and even unnoticed ways. Only when we are living for His fame will we find lasting joy and satisfaction.

God has placed you where you are on purpose. Our faithfulness is the stage on which God performs, working in and through us for His glory. Who are you living for today?

Prayer:

Father, You have created me to live for You. It is Your name and Your name alone that is worthy of praise. Help me honor You and live for Your glory. Teach me to be faithful right where You have me, bearing fruit for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection Questions:

• How have you seen your own ambition become self-centered?
• What is one thing you can do today to be faithful right where God has you?