We often celebrate a victory by heaping accolades and awards on the winners. Last week, the Christian radio station where I work received an award for media excellence, and we have a trophy as a reminder of our outstanding efforts throughout the year.
Gideon returned from battle, having triumphed over the Midianites. The Israelites rushed to honor him, shouting, “Be our ruler! You and your son and your grandson will be our rulers, for you have rescued us from Midian.” But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD will rule over you!” (Judges 8:22-23).
Gideon is a great example because he deflected the praise of a nation off himself and onto the true source of his victory: God. Gideon’s next request, however, led to the eventual downfall of his family and the entire nation of Israel: “I do have one request—that each of you give me an earring from the plunder you collected from your fallen enemies.” “Gladly!” they said. So “Gideon made a sacred ephod from the gold and put it in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family” (Judges 8:24-27). The “trophy” was made for the nation of Israel as a symbol of the deliverance and the provision of God, but it became the object of their worship and a destructive snare.
Recently, a well-known pastor’s wife declined an invitation to receive a life-time achievement award. At 75, she simply desired to seek God’s approval, not the approval of man. Like that woman, let’s be careful in the way we give and receive honor. As followers of Jesus, we need to seek the praise of God alone (John 12:43).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Job 1:1-22
More:
Read Matthew 6:1-18, where Jesus gives us clear instructions on Christlike giving, serving, and prayer.
Next:
How can deflecting praise be a form of false humility? Why is it important for us to seek the approval of God alone?
Gene on May 8, 2014 at 8:00 am
Ruth, great verses and reminder that our motivation should always be to please God and not do things to get the praise/approval of others. I believe praises can come as a byproduct and we should give God the glory as a witness to His greatness.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on May 8, 2014 at 9:38 am
Gene, a wise friend once told me how he deals with praise as well as criticism – He shelves both. He takes what he needs from both and then shelves it. When it comes to praise, say ‘Thank you’ and then move on and with criticism, learn the lesson and move on. I think it’s when we dwell on praise or criticism that we are tripped up by pride. “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth” (Colossians 3:2).
Roxanne Robbins on May 8, 2014 at 3:51 pm
Funny timing, I read your post and then a friend posted this link a few seconds later. How’s this for a self-congratulatory celebration? (done in good fun, I tend to think)
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2055626-dzimtry-koub-sets-new-benchmark-in-goal-celebrations-by-sitting-in-stands?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national
Ruth O'reilly-smith on May 9, 2014 at 1:00 am
I love that story Roxanne – Dzimtry Koub obviously didn’t think the praise he was getting from the crowd was sufficient enough for the effort he’d put into getting the late equalizer.. I think it’s good for us to acknowledge the effort we have put into whatever we’re doing – as long as the motivation is always – for God’s glory (Colossians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 10:31).
Mike Wittmer on May 9, 2014 at 10:59 am
Thank you for these humble words, Ruth. I am inspired by David’s example when his men returned with the water from Bethlehem’s well (2 Samuel 23:15-17). He refused to drink it in, but poured it out before the Lord.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on May 9, 2014 at 11:15 am
Love that story Mike!