Realize that you are nothing apart from others

Recently, we lived in Florida for 7 years. On quite a few occasions, we made our way to the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. 

Unless you've had the experience of standing on the edge of such a large body of water, you just can't imagine how incredible that moment is. The ocean is so vast that it can momentarily silence the most proud of people and put them in awe.

That water is powerful, too! Mega-ton freighters and massive ships travel on that water. Fish swim in it. Surfers glide across it. Beach-goers are awed by it.

But, you need to have a LOT of water to do those things. A few droplets can't carry a freighter and you aren't awed by a few droplets of water. You need a LOT of water to do those things.

Yet, if you ever go to the ocean and put your hand down into the water and bring a handful up for observation, you'll notice that the ocean is made up of a lot of droplets of water. Alone, those droplets don't inspire awe nor can they do incredible things. But together they accomplish much!

As a pastor, you are a droplet. If you don't have a staff or volunteers, you are very, very limited in what you can do. If you are ever able to accomplish some great things in your ministry, almost certainly it will be because you have had some people come alongside you to help you achieve God's vision for your congregation.

So, when the inevitable happens and someone praises you for the growth in the church, or the spiritual growth in the attenders or the positive change the church has made in the community and places around the world, you may be tempted to accept the praise all to yourself. Don't do it! 

If you need to be reminded of what the Lord thinks about someone who thinks that they are a self-made man and are worthy of all the praise, just read Daniel 4:28-37. The last verse says: "Those who walk in pride He is able to humble."

You're just a droplet. You need others. And even more importantly, you need the Lord. If He doesn't help your efforts, you will fail, plain and simple.

So, go on and let it be indelibly written in stone upon the tablets of your heart that anything you accomplish is because of the Lord and others. Then share the praise if and when it comes.

Because, after all, you're just a droplet.