It Wasn’t Me

Michael W.
Oct 18
3 min read

Why Giving the Glory to God Changes Everything

In a world that celebrates the self-made individual, it's a deeply ingrained reflex to take ownership of success. When the promotion comes through, the goal is met, or the difficult project is completed, our first internal whisper—or external shout—is often, “I did it.”

But for the believer, this reflex presents a profound spiritual conflict. The biblical mandate isn't just about being polite or humble; it’s about acknowledging the true source of all ability, talent, and opportunity. Our faith calls us to make a radical redirection of praise: from "I did it" to "God did it."

The Origin Story of Every Success

The very foundation of the Christian life rests on the fact that everything we have is a gift. The ability to work, the wisdom to plan, the health to execute—all originate outside of ourselves. The Apostle Paul famously challenged the Corinthians on this very point:

"What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7)

This isn't just a rhetorical question; it’s a theological anchor. It grounds us in the reality that our achievements are not evidence of our superiority, but of God's incredible grace and provision.

Even the foundational blessing of provision is attributed directly to Him. When Moses prepared the Israelites for entering the Promised Land, he gave this stern warning:

"Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth..." (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)

When we give glory to God, we are simply being truthful about the source of our strength and the ultimate author of every good thing in our lives.

The Warning: When Self-Glory Becomes Self-Destruction

The Bible provides clear, chilling examples of what happens when human beings claim divine credit. The story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel is a potent cautionary tale.

Puffed up by the grandeur of the kingdom he ruled, Nebuchadnezzar looked upon his capital city and declared: “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30).

The words were barely out of his mouth before divine judgment fell. He was immediately struck with madness and exiled until he learned the vital lesson: “...that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will” (Daniel 4:32).

Pride is not merely an unpleasant trait; it’s a spiritual position of opposition to God. James 4:6 reminds us that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” When we take the glory meant for God, we step onto dangerous spiritual ground.

A Humble Practice: Changing Our Language

The shift from "I did it" to "God did it" requires intentionality, especially in public settings. It means adjusting the language we use to describe our own success. This isn't about awkward self-deprecation; it’s about honest and joyous attribution.

Instead of saying:

"I nailed that presentation."
"My hard work earned me this promotion."
"I saved the day with my skills."

We can intentionally shift to:

"God gave me the clarity to share that message effectively."
"I'm so grateful for this new opportunity; the Lord truly opened this door."
"I felt so strengthened by the Lord to overcome that challenge."

When we adopt this mindset, we elevate the narrative of our lives. Our success ceases to be a private trophy and becomes, instead, a public testimony. We show the world that our confidence isn't rooted in fragile human ability, but in the enduring faithfulness of an all-powerful God. As the Psalmist wrote, summing up the core purpose of our praise: