“What people say about themselves means nothing. What counts is whether the Lord says they have done well.”
2 Corinthians 10:18
It can be easy to get caught up in man’s commendation. The celebrations from sugar-tongued people can be so intoxicating that you might feel like you’re doing everything right.
While it feels good to receive praise from men, you shouldn’t rely on it to discover how well you are doing. Seek God’s testimony first. What does God think of the action you just took? What does God think of the state of your mind? And, an even more probing question: if every man in your life were to celebrate you, but the still small voice of God tells you there’s something not quite right, whose report would you believe?
Will you let the loud noise from the celebration of men drown the voice of God, or will you be humble enough to throw yourself at God’s mercy and ask for cleansing and do a total turnaround in obedience until God is satisfied?
This is something we must never forget as we grow in grace. It doesn’t matter how you feel about a thing or how much people celebrate you; if God’s approval is absent, do not rest until you get it right.
The Bible says to watch as we pray and to work out our salvation with trembling. I believe this is one of the ways we can do it: by being sensitive and attuned to the Holy Spirit so that we can always tell when we have it wrong in God’s eyes, no matter what anybody else says.
Seek God’s heart first. Ensure you have His approval and commendation before you allow yourself to celebrate or be celebrated because that’s what really matters in the end—God’s report of you.
Finally, beloved, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” 2 Cor. 13:5
Prayer
- Help me, Lord, not be carried away by the applause of man that I miss your chiding.
- Dear Father, give me the grace to be humble enough to take my hand off anything that does not please you, even if thousands are watching or praising me.
- Lord, help me to understand that when I focus my heart to please you in all I do, every other thing follows.
- Precious Holy Spirit, help me to be continually sensitive to your voice—to your pleasure or displeasure—at all times, in the name of Jesus.
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Have a blessed day!
