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Tested By Praise
The longer and closer we walk with God, the more we realize how He uses
every opportunity to shape and mold us - to chip, file, and sand the
rough edges - as we are gradually "conformed to the likeness of His Son"
(Romans 8:29). This is His desire for everyone who trusts in Jesus for
the forgiveness of sin.We often learn through personal experience how our trials are used to
teach us valuable lessons and refine us into Children of God with the
character of Christ; "the testing of your faith develops perseverance"
(James 1:3). Our trials make us complete by teaching us to persevere in
the faith and by providing an opportunity to trust God with all our
heart. But a more subtle refinement of our character occurs as we
receive praise for who we are or what we've accomplished.Proverbs 27:21
"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by
the praise he receives."The way we react to praise demonstrates our view of God's sovereignty.
Is He really the Creator and Lord of ALL? This isn't referring to how
we train ourselves to verbally respond to a compliment; rather, the
reaction of our heart is what reveals our true belief and submission.
Are we motivated by the praises we receive or by our love for God and
our desire to serve Him through all we do?The praise we receive from others is not an indication of God's approval
or a valid measure of success. We take far too much ownership of
accomplishments and must always remember that ALL our ability comes from
God; "For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have
that you did not receive?" (1 Corinthians 4:7).Every step of our journey must be established by God and accomplished in
His strength. Every day there are those who refuse to turn to God
because they fear the loss of their status and praise; "they would not
confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for
they loved praise from men more than praise from God" (John 12:42-43).
And every day there are those who are unduly diverted in their walk with
God because of their gluttonous desire to feed their ego with praise.As we are transformed, we WILL begin to accomplish His work; "we are
God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians
2:10). But as praises come for the work we accomplish, we must present
them to God for His approval and guidance. He may return the praise as
a Heavenly blessing; but He may also dismiss it as an unnecessary
distraction. Either way, we must continue to serve with an obedient and
loving heart. We must be determined to never lose our focus as a result
of being refined and tested by praise.Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries*****************************************************
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