A very interesting post on what I've discovered is a very interesting website: Swerve, by Craig Groeschel, pastor of the highly innovative Lifechurch.tv. Groeschel is writing about humility. He says it is dangerous to not only take all the credit when something goes well, but also dangerous to take the blame when things don't go well.

For example, when a ministry struggles, some totally blame themselves: "I must not be doing a good job. If I were, then this would grow and thrive." If we blame ourselves for the hard times, we’ll likely take credit for the successes, too.

That's a fascinating thought, particularly in a church setting. When things don't go well, we tend to castigate ourselves for dropping the ball--not working hard enough, not praying enough, not whatever enough. When things do go successfully, we say in humility, "It's all God. He deserves the credit." And yet, are we actually thinking but not saying, "Man, we sure pulled that off well! We thought it out, we put in the effort. We accomplished!" Deep down.

I'm certainly not one to avoid self credit. Just being honest.

How does this work theologically? Can we give God the credit whether something bombs or triumphs? We certainly do deserve the blame for failures. At the same time, we may deserve all the credit for the success--because we pretty much pulled it off in our own strength, without wrestling with God's desires and praying. Heavens, during my lifetime in the church, I'm sure I've done many things for God's glory without seeking his help.