SCRIPTURE: John 12:43
(TM)
When push came to
shove they cared more for human approval than for God's glory.
STORY:
The Duke of Wellington, the British military leader who
defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, was not an easy man to serve under. He was
brilliant, demanding, and not one to shower his subordinates with compliments.
Yet even Wellington realized that his methods left something to be desired. In
his old age a young lady asked him what, if anything, he would do differently
if he had his life to live over again. Wellington thought for a moment, then
replied. "I'd give more praise," he said.
OBSERVATION:
Shallow. Empty. Meaningless. If praise comes from our fellow
human does come with the best of intentions. When praise does come we too often
fail to hear it or receive it … or even worse, we simply discount it as in:
“What a great dress (tie, shirt), etc.” “Oh, this old thing.” We each know the
standard routine.
Sometimes we even shutdown, stop what we are doing, move to
another situation, resign, get angry if praise is not received ... or a thank
you ... or an atta-boy. We want it. We anticipate it. And as one former member
stated: “This is why we do what we do for the Kingdom of God … to get the
praise and recognition from our fellow journeyers. Was Norma Jean correct? She
probably was closer to the truth than those of us who declare that we don’t
want, desire or expect praise from others.
The Duke of Wellington discovered a great human truth. We
should give more praise as we journey through this life less people begin to
think that we take them for granted. And yet, while the praise and gratitude
from others is important to our emotional health it is the approval of God that
truly matters.
“Play to an audience of one” is wise counsel. The audience
of one … is God. If we live out our life for him than when other praises come,
and they will, that is an extra blessing.
PRAYER:
Our life is a testimony of our love for you, gracious God.
We live for you, because of you and unto you. Nothing else really matters. To
you all the glory is given.
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