PRIDE OF MAN!

“… people are tested by their praise” (Proverbs 27:21).

When someone praises you, you feel happy. At the same time, if a person keeps on running in search of praise, in the end it will become a snare for him. Today, insidious praises and flattery are in plenty in the world.

The political parties keep on praising their leaders and thereby make their parties more and more popular. But within a short period, they will change their stand and begin to slander the same persons whom they had been praising thus far. Never forget that the same mouth which praises today may slander too on the morrow.

In the spiritual world also, we can find many persons in order to be praised, greatly boost up their publicity. They will pretend as though they possess all the powers and gifts of the Holy Spirit. They will keep some persons around always for the sole purpose of singing their praise. They would like their photographs to appear always in the Dailies and Periodicals.

Such efforts may bring in name and fame among men. But such fame is just an abomination in the eyes of God. The Scripture says, “So to seek one’s own glory is not glory. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls” (Proverbs 25:27, 28). “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26).

Look up to Jesus Christ. He never accepted man’s praise. He protected Himself from such things by having control over those who spoke well of Him. Nicodemus came to Jesus and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” (John 3:2). These words of praise did not flatten r Him and did not prevent Him from giving due advice to Nicodemus. Jesus insisted saying, ‘You must be born again.’

When a person came running to Jesus and addressed Him saying, “Good teacher”. Jesus did not accept his praise and said in reply, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God” (Mark 10:17, 18).

Jesus Christ wonderfully taught His disciples about the dangers brought about by fame. When some advancement is achieved in the ministry, appreciations will arise from others. One may feel proud of seeing the demons being cast away. Jesus advised His disciples to say ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10).

Dear children of God, do not get carried away by the appreciations of men and lose the Spiritual glory. Protect your holiness by humbling yourself in the presence of God. Let all praise, glory and power be to God.

To meditate: “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Mathew 23:12).