Some of us seem to like to claim credit for what we do, and in some situations, even in what other people do. We have seen many examples of people doing something, and then someone higher up or with more influence gets the credit. In the Malay language, we call such a situation: “lembu punya susu, sapi dapat nama” (roughly translated as “milk from the cow, but the bull gets the praise.”) But what sort of attitude should we have towards doing things as Christians? Are we being just like everyone else in claiming credit?
In today’s reading, we are reminded: “We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us… You see, all this is for your benefit, so that the more grace is multiplied among people, the more thanksgiving there will be, to the glory of God.” What this reading is telling us is that we may have done many things, or worked miracles in Jesus’ name, but ultimately, credit should be given to God, since our abilities, talents and healing powers come from Him. May we learn to be docile and humble, and let God use us as His instruments, for His greater glory.