Popping Praise Puffs!

Receiving the praise of others is not always easy. Perhaps we don’t like too much attention drawn to ourselves. Maybe we consider others more worthy of the praise. There may also be the fear that accepting praise could cause us to get puffed up in our own estimation of self. However, such recognition can encourage us that the works in which we are involved are perceived as being WORTHY OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT because they are significant to the lives of others. As God’s people we have something to offer in life. A few years ago I was interviewed on our local public access television station because of my role on a county advisory board. Following the program, the interviewer told me privately that he had asked for me to be one of the people interviewed because he wanted others to see that Christians have something to offer the community. The challenge is to maintain a sense of humility in the midst of it all.

We ought to be willing to praise and honor others for their accomplishments when such is due. (note Romans 13:7) To do so encourages them to press on in them. As we involve ourselves in GOOD WORKS it shouldn’t surprise us to sometimes be on the receiving end of such praise. However, how can we keep our perspective in balance? How can we allow the praise we receive to encourage us while at the same time refrain from getting puffed up by it? Someone has said, “When you receive praise of men, return it to God, the blesser of the action.”

Jesus said it this way:
“(14) You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. (15) Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. (16) In the same way, let your light SHINE before others, so THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GIVE GLORY TO YOUR FATHER who is in heaven.” ( Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)

Our Christianity is to be made visible in some way as we go about our daily lives. Being people willing to be involved in GOOD WORKS is how we should be perceived. However, the ultimate desire should be for the God Whom we serve to receive the glory and honor and praise. We can pop the propensity to being puffed up by praise by POINTING TO GOD Who has redeemed us and transformed our lives to be involved in the works He prepared in advance for us to walk in. ( Ephesians 2:10) If the shining of God’s goodness and kindness is not seen in our daily life, how will others ever believe what we say about Him? May we live and speak in such a way that others will begin to see how it is truly ALL ABOUT the GOD Who loves us and holds the key to the hope of eternity.

Have a great day LIVING SO OTHERS WILL THANK GOD WE’RE HERE!
Carl

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