21
Chasing Praise
Tim Savage15Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2
I have a confession. I like praise and credit. And I find that the more I get, the more I want. It’s not like a little praise satisfies the craving. Often, when I’m given praise I go seeking more; it’s like a snowball rolling down a hill gathering size and momentum. That’s when I either shut it down myself or God shuts it down for me. I don’t consciously turn away from Christ, that’s the insidious nature of it, I just subtly turn to other things. “These are not from the Father, but are from this world.”
When I feel the urge to seek praise from others I must stop and humble myself, remembering that I am not responsible for my gifts, God gave them to me and they are His. All credit and praise belong to Him and to chase after those things takes me further from Him. God certainly doesn’t want us to live lives without praise and support! But, I must let it come to me, from Him. Then, I can give Him the glory for it, because it was a gift from Him.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please forgive me for chasing what is not of You. Help me to discern and destroy the pride that is so strong in me. May I learn to humble myself before You have to do it for me.
In Jesus name,
Amen
