In the previous post, “You Got This,” I stated that acknowledging God in all that you do is foundational to being successful.
What does it mean to acknowledge God?
It is in no way the same as acknowledging individuals.
Everyone wants to be acknowledged. Most expect and demand it. Is acknowledgment an introduction, a hello, nod, or wave? We may salute and acknowledge a friend by asking, “How are you, Betty? Or by saying, “Good to see you, Celest.” In so doing, we greet and physically respond to their presence.
Acknowledging someone is all this plus much more. Our reaction to someone depends on personal connection and a person’s social standing.
In society, we have rules for introducing or acknowledging individuals. Position, gender, and age dictate whose name is stated first.
Generally, we state the higher-ranking person’s name and present the lesser ranking person to him or her.
Be careful to get it right the first time.
Saying Mr. Smith, when it should be Dr. Smith is a no, no. The title of Dr. is an educational achievement that denotes an esteemed status. Recognizing accomplishments, authority, fame, wealth, and other social attainments are prudent. There is a correlation between social standing and expected treatment or acknowledgment.
Respect, gratitude, and reverence are also a part of acknowledgment.
We respect people, but we reverently acknowledge God.
Proverbs 3:6 KJV says, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
The following are two other translations of Proverbs 3:6:
Good News Translation (GNT) – “Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.”
New International Version (NIV) – “In all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
It is OK to recognize individuals. But God is He, whom we should revere.
There isn’t anyone who ranks higher than God. And God demands us to acknowledge Him. But not superficially, on occasions, or in passing.
We must recognize God’s ever presence and authority in our lives.
So, how do we react and interact with God?
The verbs in the three translations are: acknowledge, remember, and submit. We must acknowledge, remember, and submit our ways in God’s presence and authority.
But what are our ways?
Ways are our thoughts, deeds, or habits. These practices include the things we say, do, and contemplate saying and doing. Many of our tendencies are spelled-out in the 10 Commandments.
God’s ways are different than those of the world.
The evil ways of Satan and the world include hate, violence, jealousy, greed, and lust.
The ways of God are daily prayer, love, and faith.
We acknowledge God when we declare His sovereignty in our lives.
We acknowledge God by obeying His Holy Spirit.
We acknowledge God when we yield and surrender our ways for His ways.
Those who accept God accept and obey His word instead of the ways of the world. His word directs our ways and paths.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”