Ecc 1:9
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
I am told that one of the vice-presidential candidates has been accused of plagiarism. I do not know if this is correct or a fabrication of some political “spin doctor.” I do know that it is considered to be a serious accusation. To plagiarize something is to take what has been written or put forth by someone else and represent it as being original to oneself. In other words, not giving credit where credit is due.
This certainly was not the case with the Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles. The prophets put forth there message with a resounding “Thus saith the LORD!” The Apostle Paul said, 2Co 4:5 “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
I have been a child of God for over forty-eight years now. I have been privileged to hear some of the greatest preachers of the twentieth and twenty-first century. Nearly every day it crosses my mind that I have heard the truth proclaimed from the most anointed and spirit-filled men of God born within the last hundred years. And I have heard them echo the old, old story thousands upon thousands of times. The best have been those who humbled themselves and admitted that what they were about to preach was original only from God.
Recently, I had the joy and honor of preaching during a campmeeting in the south. I love to go just to be blessed by the spirited singing and enthusiastic preaching of the Word. But on occasion I am asked to preach. After the morning meeting concluded and younger preacher approached me to ask if he could use the outline and thoughts of my message. Without hesitation I responded that he should take them and use them as the Lord leads for nothing is original with me, the message came from God.
We dare not rob God of His glory. It belongs to Him alone.
