Gold Nugget
Verse 2: "Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips"
Commentary
Is it okay to want recognition for your hard work? We find in today's "gold nugget" that we are not instructed to avoid accolades, but rather suffer them when they come. That doesn't really address the question asked though. Allowing recognition and praise is all together different from desiring or possibly even pursuing it. I would dare say it is in our nature to want to be acknowledged. In its most basic origin, wanting to be acknowledge for having or being something of value isn't wrong of us. Needing to be assured that we are of value is okay. Wanting to be elevated, on the other hand, is a different story.
When we seek accolades, recognition or praise, we are usually more driven by the desire to promote ourselves over on another. This is not Christ-like. Being at peace with not being above another is a basic Christian principle. Paul wrote to the Philippians in chapter 2, verse 3, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." When someone pays you a compliment, receive it and move on. Don't soak in it. When you need it, the Lord will provide someone to encourage you in a way without your head getting too big. Promoting yourself only turns others away from you.
Prayer
Lord, help us to be mindful of our apparent value proven through your sacrifice on the cross and give us the desire to have you and others exalted above ourselves . Amen
Lord, help us to be mindful of our apparent value proven through your sacrifice on the cross and give us the desire to have you and others exalted above ourselves . Amen
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