ACCEPTING PRAISE
Today's reading:  Proverbs 26-27

"Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised."  Proverbs 27:21 NLT

"The purity of silver and gold is tested by putting them in fire; the purity of human hearts is tested by giving them a little praise." Proverbs 27:21 MSG

How do you do accepting praise?  Compliments?  Accolades?  Being celebrated?  Applauded?  Having a fuss made over you for something done which touched an other's heart?

I don't do well.

I'm embarrassed.  My face turns fifteen shades of red.  I immediately inspect my feet, not wanting to look up.  I don't care for all the attention to be focused on me because, well because I know the real me.  And although there are a few things people might think I do well, there's a laundry list of things I mess up and acres of areas where I fail.

Then I read this verse.

What I do, when I don't say 'thank you' or accept heartfelt praise, is as bad as if I got the 'big head'!

Anything I do well has His signature on it, not mine.  My response to praise should be done according to that truth.  I should be accepting of it based on His greatness, not my shortcomings.

To God be the glory, great things He has done.  So loved He the world that He gave us His Son.