What should I do, when someone sincerely praises me? Should I disagree, pretending that what I did has no merit? Should I change the subject, letting things cower toward an awkward silence?
Many decades ago, before I had really faced these questions, I built a large set of oak kitchen cabinets for a county fairgrounds teaching facility. After the job was completed, one of the committee ladies who had ordered them complimented me on the workmanship.
Many decades ago, before I had really faced these questions, I built a large set of oak kitchen cabinets for a county fairgrounds teaching facility. After the job was completed, one of the committee ladies who had ordered them complimented me on the workmanship.
I paused, grasping for a suitable 'humble' answer, and finally replied something along the lines of "Well, God made the lumber– I just rearranged it."
Without missing a beat, she enthusiastically responded, "Well, He certainly gave you some lovely pieces!"
I've never forgotten her tactful, gracious encouragement, and I hope I've learned something from it.
Even though Jesus was the living Word by Whom God had spoken all men into existence, and could say, "I and my Father are One" yet His daily bread was to humbly draw men to, and point men to the Father.
Do we have any good gifts that did not come down from above? Then we should be able to simply pass any praise we receive on to the Giver— the One Who made it possible.
What are some of your experiences— good or bad? What have you learned about reflecting praise back to the Giver?
Without missing a beat, she enthusiastically responded, "Well, He certainly gave you some lovely pieces!"
I've never forgotten her tactful, gracious encouragement, and I hope I've learned something from it.
Even though Jesus was the living Word by Whom God had spoken all men into existence, and could say, "I and my Father are One" yet His daily bread was to humbly draw men to, and point men to the Father.
Do we have any good gifts that did not come down from above? Then we should be able to simply pass any praise we receive on to the Giver— the One Who made it possible.
What are some of your experiences— good or bad? What have you learned about reflecting praise back to the Giver?
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