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Tested By Praise
by Steve Troxel (Steve's bio)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from Steve, be sure to visit God's Daily Word.]
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The closer we walk with God, the more we realize 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 plan for everyone who trusts in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin.
We learn that all our trials are used to refine. We slowly accept passages like: "Consider it pure joy, my bothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3). Our trials make us complete and in the process teach us to trust God more.
A more subtle refinement occurs as we receive praise for our accomplishments.
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 as absolute Lord in our life. This isn't referring to how we verbally respond to a compliment - a gentle "thank you" is always appropriate. Our view of God is demonstrated by the reaction of our heart. Are we motivated by praise or by our love for God?
Praise from others is not an indication of God's approval. It cannot be used to determine His direction or measure success. "For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Corinthians 4:7). We often take too much ownership of accomplishments and need to remember that all our ability comes from God.
Every step of our journey must be established by God. Many Jewish leaders believed in Jesus, but "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). Every day there are those who refuse to turn to God because they fear the loss of praise. And every day there are those who are unduly diverted in their ministry because they desire to receive more praise.
We must accomplish His work and in His strength. Then, when praises come, we must present them to God for His approval and guidance. He may multiply the praise and return it to us, or He may dismiss it as an unnecessary distraction. Either way, we must continue to serve with an obedient heart, and remember, we are refined and tested by praise.
Copyright 2001, Steve Troxel. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Steve Troxel: Steve Troxel is the President of God's Daily Word Ministries. Steve was trained as an Electrical Engineer and received his PhD in 1994. After working as a researcher in a laser laboratory for several years, Steve felt the call from God to leave his trained profession and enter into full-time ministry. His devotionals are now sent around the world via email as well as distributed in book format. More information about this ministry as will as a "sign-up" page can be found at: http://www.godsdailyword.org |
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