Thought for the Day

Just as the refining process brings out impurities in silver and gold, receiving praise will bring out impurities in us, as well. Some of the hardest areas for any of us to handle are fame, success, and the praise of people. Our fallen nature always wants recognition for what we achieve. Certainly, people should be commended for worthy accomplishments, but we must keep in mind that we can do nothing apart from God's grace in our lives. God warns us not to boast about what we have done or plan to do. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27:1). Everything that we are able to accomplish is due to the fact that the great God gave us the breath of life and He has enabled us to do it.

"So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon..." (1 Corinthians 3:7-10).

Years ago, the Lord spoke to my heart: "Betty, I desire to free you from man's opinions of you. I want you to grow in Me so that the praises of men will not cause you to feel prideful, nor will their criticisms cause you to be fearful or discouraged. If you will offer the praises to Me, and discuss the criticisms with Me, you will not become lifted up in pride or knocked down by fear. Only by abiding in Me can you know this freedom."

We must remain humble before God, remembering that whatever we do without Him is worthless. One day we will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and our works will be tried by fire. Carnal works will not withstand the test. God desires each of us to surrender our will to Him and allow Him to reveal His plan for us. If our works are commissioned by God, He will use life's fiery trials to purify us like gold and bring much glory to Himself. If we abide in Him (John 15:4-7), He will fulfill the amazing promise; to grant whatever we ask! When we truly abide in Him, we will not ask anything amiss! God desires to work in us, with us, and through us so that we will bear much fruit for Him.