When the Vessel Steals the Glory

By Menkato V Awomi

In our walk with God and in the work of ministry, we must remain ever watchful of the subtle temptations that creep in—pride, boasting, and self-centeredness. These are not always loud or obvious. They often dress themselves in spiritual language, applause, testimonies, and admiration from others. But make no mistake, even a "humble" pat on the back can be a gateway to spiritual arrogance if not handled with discernment and a broken spirit.


Stop Over-Glorifying People

There’s a growing trend in the Body of Christ today—especially in testimonies, conferences, and Christian media—where we give excessive accolades to individuals:


“If it weren’t for him, this wouldn’t have happened…”

“If she didn’t obey God, that person wouldn’t have been saved…”

“What if they had missed the calling?”

These statements, though often made in sincerity, reveal a dangerous mindset: that God’s plan is fragile and depends entirely on man’s cooperation.


Let’s be clear—God is sovereign. His purposes do not rise or fall on any one person’s obedience. Yes, He desires to partner with us. Yes, He calls, equips, and assigns people to divine tasks. But if someone disobeys, walks away, delays, or disqualifies themselves, God is not shocked or limited. He will raise up another. His will is not held hostage by man’s indecision or rebellion.


Remember Mordecai’s words to Esther:

If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place… (Esther 4:14)

God had called Esther, but she was not His only option. His plan would not fail if she said no.


The Vessel Is Not the Source

We must return to this sobering truth: It is all about God. It is all about Jesus.

Ministries may have names on banners. Sermons may be preached by charismatic voices. Books may be authored by gifted minds. Songs may be sung by powerful worshipers. But the power behind every breakthrough is not the person—it is the presence of God.


The vessel may carry the treasure, but it is not the treasure.

Paul writes,

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

We are jars of clay—fragile, replaceable. But God chooses weak vessels so that the spotlight remains on His strength.


Never Take God’s Place

When we begin to glorify the vessel more than the One who fills it, we unknowingly edge into idolatry . And even worse, when we as vessels begin to receive that glory, or expect it, or find our identity in it, we commit a grave error: we attempt to take the place that belongs to God alone.


This was Lucifer’s downfall. He wanted not just to reflect God’s glory but to  receive it.

This was Herod’s sin. When people shouted, This is the voice of a god, not a man, he did not correct them—and was immediately struck down by an angel (Acts 12:22–23).

No matter how great the calling… no matter how powerful the ministry… no matter how big the crowd or how fruitful the outcome… we must keep this conviction:


I am just a vessel. All the glory belongs to Him.


Be a Faithful Vessel

Let your prayer be: “Lord, use me, but never let me steal Your glory. Let me be faithful, but let me stay small in my own eyes. Let me serve, but never be served. Let me disappear, so that only Christ is seen.”

The vessels that God uses most are those who don’t mind being hidden, those who don’t need recognition, those who don’t compete with others, those who point everything back to Jesus


In conclusion:

Be careful. Be humble.

Don’t fall for pride clothed in spiritual language.

Don’t over-glorify people.

Don’t let your admiration for someone replace your awe for God.

And if God chooses to use you—remember, it’s grace. Pure grace. Stay small, stay low, and stay hidden in Christ.

Because in the end, it’s not about the vessel.

It’s about the Potter

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