Boast in the Lord

Keys for Kids Daily Devotional for December 16, 2007
TITLE: Credit Due
SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 9:23-24; James 3:13-16
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"Mom!" Taylor yelled breathlessly, running up the driveway after school. "Guess what? I got the part-the main part-in the Christmas play!"
"Oh, honey! That's terrific!" Mom stopped painting the window trim of their new house as she congratulated her daughter with a hug.
"It's about time my teachers realize how smart I am," declared Taylor proudly, "and how well I can memorize-and how much drama talent I have. Oh! And you know what else? We got the results of our band try-outs today. I'm first chair flute! I did it!" Taylor was dancing around. "This is the best day of my life!" she exclaimed. "I got an A on a tough math test, too.''
"Wow, honey! That's great," said Mom, "but . . ." She motioned for Taylor to sit down beside her on the porch swing.
"What's up?" asked Taylor cautiously, sensing her mother's seriousness.
"You do so well in math, and you're also very talented in music and drama," replied Mom, "but how much credit can you actually take for that?"
Taylor was puzzled. "How much credit can I . . ." she began slowly. Suddenly her face broke into a smile. "Oh, sorry, Mom!" she exclaimed. "You helped me with the audition lines for the play, and Dad quizzed me in math. Thank you . . . thank you . . . thank you!'"
"Okay! Enough!" Mom laughed. "But that's not what I meant. Let's see . . . Think about it this way. We're enjoying our brand new house, right? Well, if it could talk, should it be boasting because it's well-built and beautiful?"
"Course not!" Taylor giggled. "Dad should get the credit! He built it."
"So you think it would be ridiculous for the house to praise itself for its lovely design and structure rather than give credit to the builder?" asked Mom. Taylor nodded, and her mother continued. "The Bible says we are 'God's workmanship'-He's the one who created us and gave us any talents we have. Sounds to me like we need to praise Him for anything good in us. What do you think?"
"I . . . I . . ." mumbled Taylor. She sighed. "Well, instead of bragging about what I can do, I should give credit to God," she admitted. "Right, Mom?"
"Right!" Mom agreed. "Exactly right!"
MEMORY VERSE: In God we boast all the day long. Psalm 34:2
HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you take credit for things God has done? Do you brag about yourself? Remember that everything good comes from God. He has given you a mind . . . talents . . . possessions . . . everything that you have. It all comes from Him. So thank Him, and yes . . . even brag about Him to others.
THE KEY: Boast in the Lord