Not Unto Us

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1

When we were on the road together, Jay Parrack would always say, Praise the Lord, when someone would compliment his singing, and then he’d say, Thank you. I have never forgotten that. I remember learning a business maxim over the past 20 years or so years that went something like, we always accomplish more when no one individual cares who gets the credit. For a “words of affirmation” person that sounds like starvation. Then this thought comes to my mind. I wonder what it would be like if no one received any awards or recognition in 2026? No entertainment accolades, no business plaques, no trophies, no champions crowned, no ceremonies, no medals, no rankings, no names mentioned in appreciation, no thumbs up, hearts, or emoji’s. I think a felt a shudder roll through the fabric of social media. I missed out on a really good insurance job in 2012 because on the personality test I said I was not motivated by company awards. I have boxes of trophies, ribbons, from 4H and FFA, plaques, and HOF medals from my music career. Notice, in boxes. As Dr Hutson says, like curls on a sows tail. It doesn’t make any more ham. I wonder how much you and I do only because someone is going to see it, acknowledge it, and give us credit for it, give us glory. [GLORY: Praise ascribed in adoration; honor, fame, renown, celebrity, that of which one may boast. Pride, boastfulness, arrogance, as vain glory. Webster 1828] NOT UNTO US, O LORD, NOT UNTO US, but unto thy name give glory… For thy Mercy. It is of the Lord’s mercy that we exist and are not annihilated for our sins. He in mercy gives breath in our lungs and blood in our veins to do any and everything. AND for thy truth’s sake. His Truth is His Word. The Word of God never shows Jesus telling any of his 12 disciples Thank you or Good Job. Look what John did everybody! Man alive, Matthew, you keep good books. Great to have you on the team. Couldn’t do it without you. Not once. His Word is not about the flawed followers but the Sinless Savior. I preached a message a few years ago titled, Don’t Trade a Good Job Here for a Well Done There. Any reward that we will accumulate in heaven will immediately be laid at the feet of Jesus Christ because only He, not unto us, but unto HIS Name is glory due. Now if you will excuse me, I need another cup of coffee and time for self examination. P.S. verse 15 says, “Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.” Whether anyone gives us recognition or not.