He wants his name on the cover of our life story. And so should we.
“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
~Psalm 23:3 (NIV)
I was recently hired by a gentleman to help him rewrite a manuscript to be self-published. It was a compilation of old letters written between his parents during WWII, along with research to give historical context. It was family history, world history, and a love story—all my favorite ingredients for a legacy story. I was honored to be included in this project. Another incentive for doing my best work—my name would be included on the cover as a co-author. My name was on the line.
My excitement turned sour. Upon receiving my edits and suggestions for changes, the author was not pleased. He insisted on writing the book exactly as he wanted, ignoring my professional opinions. I continued to help him publish his book, but I no longer wanted any credit and took my name off the cover.
After reading Psalm 23 about how God is my shepherd and wants to lead me in the ways I should go, for his name’s sake, I wondered if God sometimes feels the same way about me as I did with this writing project.
I know in my head that God’s ways are right and good. I know in my head that he wants nothing less than green pastures and still waters to refresh my soul. I know that he is the expert who wants to shepherd my life.
But am I letting him? Am I reading what he has to say but still choosing to think that I know better? My actions mostly point to me and my name.
It’s time to let go of our perceived expertise and let our lives reflect the good shepherd’s work, not for our name’s sake, but for God’s. He wants his name on the cover of our life story. And so should we.
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