“15Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” — Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)
There is a cost to lifting up of praise to the LORD. That cost is in the giving up of praise for the self. Seems like a simple thing to do, giving praise to the LORD, but in order to do so, there is a sacrifice in other areas. One has to give up the praise for self or for those in this world to offer up praise to the LORD in His world.
It is natural in this world to seek to be recognized and acknowledged for the work done. And for that there should be no ill feelings about. The thing is that we should not be solely looking for that to somehow validate our existence. I am here to please and bring glory to God. I have to remember that and give all of me to praise Him for what He has done and will do in my life, whether in this world or not.
Sacrifice is giving up for the giving. I have to remember that what I do is not about me. It is about my service to the LORD. I am here for Him and that is my purpose. I am here to bring glory to Him. I am here to serve Him. I am here to give to Him and that means that I must give up the desires of me. I have been given the opportunity to serve the LORD in this world. I have been saved by grace as I do not deserve the salvation given. I have to remember to give up and give. I have to thrust myself in the praise of the LORD and give up the praise of myself.
What process are you working through in praise? Are you looking to ensure that you are getting praise? What if you sacrificed your praise and gave it up to offer praise to the LORD for all that He has done and will do for you?
Trevor's Thoughts 