Have you ever heard of the saying, “Give credit where credit is due?” It is thought the expression was coined by Samuel Adams in a letter dated Oct. 29th, 1777! That was quite a while ago! Now, almost two and a half centuries later, “giving credit” has become a whole new ballgame.

Today’s generation has always had easy internet access. And with that access, has been seemingly limitless information. But, can a person easily find the original source of an idea, trend, or promoted “fact” on social media platforms, where it can be shared multiple times and morph into a whole different idea or supposed “truth”?

According to a recent survey, only 8% of students always give credit to original creators, 35% of students sometimes do, while 30% never give credit to original trendsetters. (And who knows if this survey is correct—I found it on the internet!)

The Bible tells us there is only One who is due credit for all the world around us, the beauty, and majesty of His Creation.

“Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
    tremble before him, all the earth.” Psalm 96: 7-9

Ascribe is an interesting word. It means acknowledge, attribute, or GIVE CREDIT. All of the earth trembles before Him as all people consider His mighty strength and unmatched splendor.

Our praise leads to this acknowledgement of God’s greatness. In verses 1-3 we are told to sing, proclaim, and tell about His salvation, glory and wonderful deeds.

As our outward praise is heard and shared, it leads to an inward attitude of worship, basking in the Lord’s presence. We adore God for who He is.

Not just His people, but ALL of His Creation sings God’s praises. In verses 11-13, we see this. Have you walked along an ocean beach and HEARD the water’s roar? Have you gazed upon a field of Texas bluebells, multi-colored tulips, or bright yellow sunflowers, their BEAUTY GLORIFYING God’s presence? Have you wandered through a forest of pine trees, and HEARD their joyful song in the breeze? If you have done one or more of these things, lift up your praise in harmony to Creation’s melodies.

Acknowledge His presence in your every waking moment. Savor His warmth and love. Live a life of worship each day. Give credit—ALL CREDIT—where credit is due—to the Lord God Almighty.