“I do not know whether anyone has ever succeeded in not enjoying praise. And, if he enjoys it, he naturally wants to receive it. And if he wants to receive it, he cannot help but being distraught at losing it. Those who are in love with applause have their spirits starved not only when they are blamed off-hand, but even when they fail to be constantly praised.” —John Chrysostom
Those words from an early church leader reveal that our heads can swell when we receive praise. And once we get a “hit,” we can begin craving even more. So should we ignore the kind words and commendations from others? No. But as we receive them, it’s vital for us to acknowledge the One who is worthy of all our worship.
Ezra wrote of a time when the Levites praised God. “With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the Lord: ‘He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!’ Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s Temple had been laid” (Ezra 3:11).
Now wait a minute, you might be thinking. Didn’t the Israelites who returned from their captivity rebuild the temple foundation by expending their own blood, sweat, and tears? Well, yes . . . and no.
Instead of praising one another for a job well done, they knew that the Source of their accomplishment—the One who truly provided for and empowered the work—was God. Just as the people had been presenting “offerings” to the Lord even “before they had started to lay the foundation” (Ezra 3:2-6), they now offered Him a sacrifice of praise!
What a great example of what to do when we receive kind words—praise—for something we’ve done: Humbly thank God and give Him the glory. For “He is so good!” (Ezra 3:11).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Samuel 18:1-18
More:
Read John 12:43 and consider the dangers of desiring human praise more than God’s.
Next:
How do you normally respond when you receive praise from others? How can we appropriately thank others for their kind words while also honoring God for what He did through us?
samgaskill on April 10, 2016 at 4:46 am
Such a beautiful message. And an honest one. I am reminded of that deep place in our hearts left for God to fill and inhabit. How deeply we crave recognition, to know we have value, and are loved. We can confuse OUR ability with the gifts or talents God generously provides to all. We can easily settle into a pattern of “craving” the praise and affection of others instead of “craving” more of God that we may use our abilities to honor Him. Unbelievable blessing to God’s children that He sees this need and patiently, gently or sometimes painfully steers us to Himself. There is no greater need we have than to be loved and accepted. Lord, may we be satisfied and filled with Your presence. It is enough. Teach us in grace to esteem You and when we see a reflection of You in ourselves and others, give thanks and praise to You alone. And lastly Lord, thank you for providing to everyone, believers or not a part of Yourself; because we are made in Your image whether or not we acknowledge You in this. Amen
samgaskill on April 10, 2016 at 5:00 am
Just read this verse in Exodus in todays ODB. Thought it appropriate for todays insight. 10 Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 And He said, “CERTAINLY I WILL BE WITH YOU, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall [b]worship God at this mountain.” A reminder that He is with us providing whatever we need to accomplish His will. Humbling! To God be the glory!
Gary Shultz on April 10, 2016 at 6:43 am
Tom, you would be a man that personally knows these things and may I add personally observes God’s sustaining presence in your life. Sometimes I cringe when people get up and make grandiose statements about how they will do this or that. Each day, each breath, is a gift from God. As one of the folks that worked with us would say, health is a precarious thing.
Sometimes we don’t know exactly what to say when someone compliments us, but as I told my boys, if you have seen any good thing in my life, you got to know it didn’t come from me, it’s God working through me. So, we take many lessons from Paul, not I, but Christ in me. Thanks Tom, WBP
gagirllive on April 10, 2016 at 8:15 am
Great post today, Tom. I’m finally beginning to recognize all of your writing “voices”, and today I guessed that it was you before I finished reading the article. Somehow I knew these words were from your kind heart. Regarding this subject, I think the first verse in the passage of Ezra holds a significant answer to their mindset–“all the people assembled in Jerusalem with a unified purpose.” Their love for God and their desire to rebuild and restore the temple worship led them to work in unity and with singleness of purpose–to bring Him glory. This has to be our mindset as well. We are a body working together to manifest the glory of Christ to the world. Like the moon, all we have is reflected glory. Any praise we receive as light-bearers has to be given to its true source–Jesus, the Son – shine of our lives. On this day I pray that we will all lift up our voices in one accord and sing like the Israelites, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” To God be the glory always! A blessed Lord’s Day to you, Tom.
gshafer11 on April 10, 2016 at 9:27 am
The clock in the picture reads 4:20 – A perfect time to praise the Lord! And yes, we should constantly praise Him!
sandy229 on April 10, 2016 at 9:44 am
I didn’t notice that until you pointed it out. How do you know whether or not it’s am or pm? You are quite right in saying it is a perfect time to Praise Him, anytime is a perfect time to praise Him, as we should constantly give Him praise and glory!! to God be the Glory forever and ever, have a blessed day.
elegantstarr1 on April 10, 2016 at 11:25 am
I didn’t notice that either, until you pointed it out and I agree we should constantly praise Him. I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1.
sandy229 on April 10, 2016 at 10:07 am
God is glorified through the fruit we bear for Him. Glorified means enhanced reputation, praise, honor of someone or something, to achieve splendid greatness in one’s person, possessions, or circumstances in the opinion of others. This is part of our lesson for today in the class I teach at our church. I really like your post today Tom, it helps us to remember that God works through us, and tells us what He wants us to do or say and it is not something we thought of saying, but rather God is using us to glorify Him, and He alone deserves our praise!! I wouldn’t want the credit for something God did. It would feel like I was trying to make myself look good, and pride would creep in, then I am toast!! To God be the glory forever and ever. Praise God!
samgaskill on April 10, 2016 at 10:16 am
Yes Lord, be glorified in all we say and do. May You be the honored one in every good thing that flows from us. Amen!
mbaluyut on April 11, 2016 at 3:49 am
All the glory and praise be unto His name-Jesus, forever and ever for He is good and his mercy endure forever.
BearPair on April 23, 2016 at 8:01 pm
I’ve been slow to respond to this devo simply because there is so much to unpack… even in the Chrysostom quote alone, there is enough to chew on for awhile–all good stuff! Receiving and giving praise is tricky stuff, and this is such a beautiful illustration & model for us. Thanks Tom!