There is a natural tendency to heap praise on oneself. After all, if you don’t, who will. Well that is really not the way things are to work in the life of a Christian. I am to do the work, not for me, but for the glory of God.
“2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
a stranger, and not your own lips.” — Proverbs 27:2 (ESV)
It is not up to me to praise me. I look upon things from my own perspective and will miss reality as others see it. I may do some work and only see the impact to me and think that it is worthy of praise, when in reality, I have harmed others to gain a “win” for me.
In the world today, I have to concern myself with serving others and doing the work for Christ and ensuring that others are winning. I don’t do things to gain notoriety, but to spread the love and example of Christ.
When I have done the work of the LORD, I have pleased Him and any praise I am due will come from Him or from those that benefited from the work. I can be pleased that I have done the work and then I should move on to the next. Even if/when the praise does not come from others, I am responsible only to continue and move on to the next.
Knowing that it is not my role to praise me, I have to remember that it is important that I recognize and praise work done by others. You get what you give and to receive praise, I have to remember to praise others. When work is done whether for the good of me or those around me, I have to remember to let them know of the job well done. I have to be the example of what right looks like and not expect others to have to praise themselves. I have to remember to praise them for the work done and the service provided.
It is better to give than to receive, and I have to remember that as I look out into this world and recognize work done. I have to give praise to others and not be concerned with whether or not I have received. I have to only concern myself with the giving of the service to others and doing the work of the LORD. I will receive in due time.
What have you been doing as relates to praise? Are you in the habit of praising yourself for work and not concerned with praising others? What if you did the opposite and praised others, and just did the work without expectation of praise, knowing that you simply did the work of the LORD?
Trevor's Thoughts 