Session 1 – Day 4: Creating Pharaohs

In today's study, I was struck by the word "creating" in the subtitle, Creating Pharaohs. Mostly because so much of what I do each day is "create".

Most days, because the deadlines are so tight, the pressure to "create" and be "original" requires me to start the project and/or the day with a prayer that I've prayed countless times. . .that God would be my eyes and hands and imagination, ideas, efficiency and productivity. A prayer of trust that God knows my client's mind and wants and can direct me to help meet their needs. I figure that a God who could, with His breath and spoken Word, create all that is our everything in 6 days. . .that same God will have no problem helping me come up with a logo or design by day's end, yes?

Yet, when the study asked the question: "How do we specialize in and use our resources on modern forms of idolatry?" I was reminded of the times that I finish a project, look back and think "Wow, look at how much God was able to help me accomplish this week!" – which is a complete blessing that I work hard not to take for granted. BUT, I was also reminded of, in regards to those same projects, the times I catch myself daydreaming about my client saying to someone, anyone, it doesn't matter who: "Wow! Look at all that Jodi was able to do and accomplish!".

I think I am coming to realize that much of what I do is out of a desire to be admired for what God can and does help me do. I know it's only because of Him that I am able to do what I do, but somewhere deep inside of me, I want the admiration from others for that work as well.

My sincere prayer today is that I will give God ALL the glory in ALL that I do (1 Cor. 10:31) and seek not the praise of men, women, my clients, my family, the viewing public, but His praise and His praise alone. To God be the glory, honor and praise, Amen.