All glory to whomever

It's a common response in the christian community when replying to a compliment. "Glory to God". A humble statement one could suppose, but I have another take.

I went to congratulate a buddy of mine on a two year anniversary for his church. I respect him, first as a human, second as "go against the grainer". He really is a real nice guy. Anyhow, I went to shake his hand, we spoke for a moment, and he asked how things were. (Side note: "I think most Christians are expecting me to say things are messed up and I need to get right with God" and this was one of those.) I replied things are well, and I had just wanted to stop by and congratulate him on the hard work. He replied "Glory to God, If it was me it would be obvious, but it must be God for all this to have worked out". I replied that I would take his word for it, smiled, shook his hand and left.

This is the same guy I would meet for coffee periodically, until we realized neither was open for the others opinion to persuade our own. I reflected on the whole situation in the ride to Bob Evans, my girlfriend with me who had no tolerance at the time for the conversation. I pondered on how I had did the same so many times, "Glory to God, I take no credit, all God, His Spirit". One guy, a truck driver at that, had came into my work a few years back and I began to testify about how the Holy Spirit had delivered me from drugs, sex , and anger. He obviously needed what I did, everybody did. Anyhow he said "Do you really believe that you had no part in getting off drugs etc." I swore I didn't, it was all God. He left my work and left me with a thought.

Years later, I now, like the truck driver, do not believe that it was "All God", or God at all for that matter, that got me off drugs etc. I now believe that the lifestyle changes I made were the contributing factors, including no longer hanging around people who did drugs, surrounding myself with people who condemned drugs labeling them demonic, and various other factors were a part of it. Not to mention I was bored with the drugs and knew I needed to change . Having something to believe in, and the power of being accepted by a group will or can break any habit.

So when hearing my buddy say "Glory to God, if it was me it would be obvious...." I was reminded of my interpretation of his success. I believe he has overlooked some major factors. He is a good communicator, very passionate, good looking with a good looking wife and child, second or third generation pastor, very driven, animated, and wants to help people. These are all traits of similar personalities that are dispersed in every different religion and business that has succeeded in our history.

I do not believe that he has no role in the success he is experiencing. People who don't know what to do, look to people who look like they do, and he sure does look like he does.