Everyone likes to be recognized. We like the feeling of being seen, heard, known - remembered.  It’s satisfying to be acknowledged as having merit.  We want to be the hero of the story.  Recognition is an expression of appreciation and we like to feel valuable.

We also like recognition because it makes us feel something of valid or entitled; truly who we think we are (or should be). The problem comes when we cherish recognition from people more than from God.  It also surfaces in the shadows when we accept credit that should be given God. 

Recently, I have entertained the shadows.  But God has a way of offering steadiness to our unbalance.  The story reads in Isaiah 37 of Hezekiah praying to God to rescue Israel in the face of Assyria.  Hezekiah is quick to acknowledge God as maker of heaven and earth, the only true God, and God of all kingdoms of the earth.  Rightfully so, but a little late!  It’s amusing how we recognize God as supreme when we need Him and identify ourselves honorable when we feel deserving.

In Hezekiah’s contempt (Is 37.21-25), God reprimands him for bragging (something we do when we feel entitled).  Hezekiah, pride to march to his own drum, claimed how he climbed high mountains, reached far lands, conquered peaks, explored depths, find water and drank his fill, and emptied rivers with one kick of his foot.  God responds by say “I’ve been behind this all along….this is a longstanding plan of mine and I’m just now making it happen…”(Is 37.26-27). I think John the Baptist put it best; I must decrease so He can increase. 

Summer and I sat in front of five men last week with confidence they would see “super church planters” - recognize us. We walked away with regret, not because they turned us down, but because we felt they didn’t admit our abilities, experience, and talents.  I realize later that I wanted them to recognize me as a church planter - because I already defined myself as much.  “My long resume of church planting should be enough, gentlemen!”  Haha. I didn’t claim to do all Hezekiah did but I shared the same misplaced recognition.

God is the source of my abilities, experience, and talents.  He is the only person I need remembering, but then again His been behind everything. He called me along time ago and it’s been a longstanding plan of His and He is just now making it happen.  I’m glad He is allowing me to play a role.

Confession is good for the soul.