This verse has a very special place in my heart. I used it as the text for a farewell message to a church that I dearly loved. Those folks had been such a blessing to me that I couldn’t help but love them. And now, as I look back over the years, more than ever I am thankful for God’s people– wherever they are. They are without a doubt the finest people on earth!
It’s easy to love people who love the Lord. They are so different that you can’t help but notice them. They are so kind, gracious, helpful, etc. that you can’t help but love them. They are like the sunshine after the storm, the fragrance of the rose, the song birds that announce the dawning of the day, a letter from home, etc. They are incredibility delightful. They make life easier, enjoyable, and endurable. But let us never forget that, although we should express appreciation to them, it is God who deserves the glory. He makes them who they are and places them in our life.
As loving as they are, we should never get so overwhelmed by their goodness that we idolize them or credit them for their good qualities to the extent that God gets left out of the picture. That would be a mistake. It is God who should get the glory, not man. Were it not for Him your best friend could very well be your worst enemy.
I shudder to think where I would be were it not for God’s people. The contributions they have made to my life are more than I can number. They have blessed me beyond measure– without me being deserving of a single one. They have loved me unconditionally, blessed me abundantly, and helped me immensely. And I am grateful. But, while I am thankful to them, it is God that I thank for them. Each one is a special gift from God Himself and they are of more value than fortune or fame. I wish for each of them that which Paul expressed at the end of his letter–“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.“(Phil. 4:23). As you count your blessings today don’t forget to thank God for those He has placed in your life.
