“Yes, Jake helped us out, but that was over five years ago. What has he done lately? He makes excuses and assigns other people his work and then he takes credit for it.”
I was listening to my laboratory manager of a hospital for which I once worked, lamenting the performance of one of the section supervisors. When he first began in the laboratory, he was an uncorked bottle of champagne, seemingly everywhere, always willing to help out. Yet over time, his enthusiasm waned and he got by with minimal effort.
When someone is performing at an elite level, expectations are high for that person to continue their performance at the same or higher level. These individuals have to find ways to reinvent themselves. While some are successful, some simply rest upon their laurels and hope that memories of their former accolades will be enough to carry them through. It happens to professional athletes, people in business, artists and musicians-every activity or occupation that requires skill and creativity to succeed and thrive. No one is immune, not even God.
They stubbornly tested God in their hearts, demanding the foods they craved. They even spoke against God himself, saying, “God can’t give us food in the wilderness. Yes, he can strike a rock so water gushes out, but he can’t give his people bread and meat.”
Psalms 78:18-20 (NLT)
Thousands of years ago, the Hebrews asked the same question of God. Sure, God miraculously rescued them from slavery in Egypt, leading at least a million of them through the Red Sea. Yes, God also closed the Red Sea on the pursuing Egyptians, completely destroying their army. God also fed them manna, a nutritionally complete meal, for forty years as they wandered through the desert. But all of that didn’t matter. That was then, this is now. What have YOU done for me lately?
I often have the same arrogant attitude. Like the Hebrews, my long term memory of God’s grace and mercy in my life often shrinks to short term memories. Sure, you cured me of my allergies that I suffered from for over thirty years. Yes, you blessed me with a job and family. That was then, this is now. Pitiful and pathetic. Instead of complaining and asking God, “What have YOU done for me lately?” I should be repentant and thankful to Him and ask, “What can I do for YOU?”
Amen!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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