Who gets the glory?

As I have been following the news over the last couple of weeks, I have been amazed at the way the new President and his administration have been downplaying expectations regarding some of their initiatives. Not that this is new. Every election cycle, politicians make promises that people want to hear. They boldly talk about their plans.
This year’s downshift seems more pronounced than any I remember in my lifetime by a President. Maybe it’s the way the media covered this election. Maybe it’s because of the intricate web of communication used during the campaign that utilized the best marketing plan I have ever witnessed by a Presidential campaign team. I am sure that the financial crisis we are in the midst of caused many to hope for a quick solution.
Regardless of the reasons, many people seemed to expect this President to step into office and almost immediately solve the crises at hand. In the midst of the campaign, the candidate seemed more than happy to use this expectation to bolster his campaign.
Today’s politicians are quite a contrast with our Savior. While politicians seek out attention and trumpet their bold dreams, Jesus was quite the opposite.
Never one to desire the spotlight, Jesus often seemed to go out of His way to avoid attention. Many times in His ministry, we see Jesus healing people and telling them not to tell anyone. He would try to sneak away from the crowds. And when He did get praise, He directed it to the Father. Consider a few of the things Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount:
"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:2)
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:5)
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:16)
Whether we are running for President or an average citizen, we can learn from the example of Christ. If we want to bring forth the Kingdom of God in this world, it can’t be about us. It’s not about making big promises or taking advantage of people’s fear or anticipation. It’s about seeking what is in the best interest of God and others while sacrificing our own glory.

shine!
Jason