How can we ensure our praise comes "from God, not from men"? Romans 2:29—A Praise that Counts “But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. Such a person’s praise is not from men, but from God.” What Does It Mean to Receive Praise from God? • Not a fleeting compliment but the settled approval of the One who sees everything (1 Samuel 16:7). • Rooted in inward reality, not outward show—heart-level obedience that the Spirit produces. • Eternal, unchanging, and revealed fully at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Guarding the Hidden Place: Pursuing Heart Circumcision • Daily invite the Spirit to expose and cut away motives that crave human applause (Psalm 139:23-24). • Submit to Scripture as literal truth; let it judge “the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). • Celebrate quiet acts of obedience unseen by others—God sees, God smiles (Matthew 6:3-4). Practicing God-Centered Living: Everyday Steps 1. Start tasks with Colossians 3:23-24 in mind—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” 2. Choose private faithfulness over public display: • Pray when no one is watching. • Give anonymously when possible. • Serve in roles that will never trend or be tweeted. 3. Speak of God’s greatness more than your own accomplishments (Psalm 115:1). 4. When compliments come, quietly redirect them upward: “He enabled me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). 5. Cultivate gratitude, not entitlement; every ability and opportunity is grace (James 1:17). Warning Signs of Man-Pleasing • Disappointment when service is unnoticed or unthanked (Luke 17:10). • Exaggerating stories to sound more spiritual. • Fear of sharing hard truths because approval might slip (Galatians 1:10). • Joy rising or falling with social-media metrics rather than with the Lord (Philippians 4:4). Encouragement from the Whole Counsel of Scripture • John 5:44—“How can you believe if you accept glory from one another?” • 2 Corinthians 10:18—“For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” • Matthew 25:21—The ultimate commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Wrapping It Up: Living for the Applause of Heaven Settle the issue early: whose smile matters most? As we yield our motives to the Spirit, saturate our minds with Scripture, and practice hidden obedience, the Father’s quiet “well done” grows sweeter than any human standing ovation. |
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