“On an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them. The people kept crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.” Acts 12:21-23, NAS95.

We all enjoy receiving praise. Unfortunately, receiving praise that benefits our soul and honors the Lord is rarely talked about. Both praise and rejection are two sides of the same coin that can have long term consequences if not appropriately handled. 

Wanting praise starts very early in life. Being around young children, I constantly hear the words, "Look at me... Look at what I can do." There seems to be a natural void as part of the fall that causes us to take praise unto ourselves in a way that perpetuates the brokenness. Back as far as Adam and Eve, fear of rejection and the desire for praise affects all broken humans. Cain was disturbed when he was looking for praise and received rejection of his offering instead. This bred the animosity for his brother that led to the first murder. 

Of course, our God is a God of praise. He is the one who in the first chapters of the bible says, "It is good!" He is the one who will declare, "Well done my good and faithful servant" at the end of the age. However in the meantime, we must beware of longing for praise. 

So how do we interact with praise? Sometimes we deflect it showing a low self-understanding, and sometimes we brush it off as if we are unworthy. The appropriate way is to neither want it or need it, but when receiving praise to act as a clean window, allowing it to come to you, through you, and then to the Lord. Herod, allowed the praise to stick to him, and "the worms" ate out his insides. 

There is a worm of pride that wants to be "like a god." We know it is in us when we need praise or are affected by it. I know, for I see these ugly worms still within me on a regular basis. Be aware of what happens when you are praised, and allow the Lord to fix your brokenness and show you your worth as a child of His. Instead, allow praise to simply warm you on it's way to the Father.

Have a wonderful day.  

Wednesday

Love, 
Pastor Stuart