The Praises of Men: Accolades and Ego Building

Do not be deceived and stroked by man or yourself to think yourself to be anything except created by God, for God and His purposes.

Luke 17:7-10 (CSB) 7 “Which one of you having a servant tending sheep or plowing will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? “Instead, will he not tell him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, get ready, and serve me while I eat and drink; later you can eat and drink’? “Does he thank that servant because he did what was commanded? “In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, saying “We are unworthy servants; we’ve only done our duty.’ ”

Are we truly servants of The Most High God? Is all that is asked simply our reasonable service? Do we really need to be puffed up and encouraged too be able and continue our service to The God Who saved us? Were we ever worthy or are we bought by The Precious Blood of Jesus? Who then is worthy? Shall we not rather rejoice in the work we are commanded to do as grateful servants?

What praise can man give? What encouragement is enough? Is there anything in the words of man that can be greater than than the rewards of God?

Matthew 6:1 (CSB) “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in heaven.

Matthew 6:5 (CSB) “Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward.

Matthew 6:6 (CSB) “.... And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

So go. Unto the nations of the lost. To families and friends. Neighbors and enemies. Preach, teach and testify of the gospel of salvation by the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is our service and duty. This is our praise and worship. This is our offering and sacrifice.

There is a reward….. but not of this world :)

Matthew 25:21 (CSB)

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’