Acts 14:8-18 NKJV

[8] And in Lystra, a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. [9] This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, [10] said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. [11] Now, when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” [12] And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. [13] Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. [14] But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out [15] and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, [16] who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. [17] Nevertheless, He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” [18] And with these sayings, they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.

I love a good pat on the back as much as the next guy. I have been blessed to be a part of some pretty incredible things. I am pretty good at what I do. My work gives me an opportunity to showcase some of my abilities and allows me to meet a variety of people from all backgrounds. For the most part, people are glad to see me show up, and they're appreciative of the services I provide.

More than once, I have been told that I am a great guy, to which I chuckle and quickly disagree. The person they see is not the addictions I've lived with or been delivered from. They don't see the brokenness of the old me. Most people aren't aware of my history, so I typically use these moments as an opportunity to share my testimony.

I know there is no good in myself alone. I have a history of poor decisions, wrong turns, and failed attempts at life. All of the visible qualities that remotely resemble good are evidence of God’s hand at work in spite of me. If I am pleasant to be around, it is because the Holy Spirit is living in me. If it looks like my life is headed in the right direction, it is because I am following Jesus to the best of my ability. I can't take credit for what God does. I am merely proof of what He can do.