This is what the Lord says:
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man of his riches,
but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,"
declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
We live in a world that admires people for how smart they are, or how intellectual they can be. We live in a world that admires people for their strength, how much weight they can lift, how far they can run, and how fast they can swim. We live in a world that admires people for making money and we have a list of the richest people in the world.
Today I am thinking about what God admires. I think He loves to admire His children using their talents and abilities wisely. I think He puts a higher priority on knowing Him and living a life that reflects this relationship. Living a life that reflects His justice and His righteousness.
Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 1:31
This hits very close to the heart for me. I have spent many minutes, hours, days, weeks, and years being concerned about the admiration I receive from others. I have to be VERY aware of my motives and be in constant check with God and ask myself…"who is getting the attention for this?" The desire of my heart is that I have stepped over far enough on the stage that the only one you see is Jesus!
May we live a life that brings all the admiration back to the Lord.
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9 comments:
Girl, I can relate to this one this morning. As I was on my walk at 5AM the Lord and I were talking about this very thing.
I was needing to seek forgiveness for an area of ministry a couple years ago where I let EGO be my motive and as I step into another ministry position this month the Lord in reminding me to keep my motives in check.
Thank you for the confirmation this morning.
Cindy
This is a very important issue that many people struggle with. I think, however, if you recognize that it may be a problem for you, you're over half way there!
Good Luck!!
As I go about many tasks today (and lots of last minute summer f-u-n), I appreciate this reminder!
You are right, God is talking to His people about this today. I really liked this post. We are so caught up in the world, even though we try not to be. Thanks for this reminder!
Love,
Sonya
Wow!
I loved this!
I am with you! One of my favorite verses is 2 Corinthians 3:18 My quick paraphrase: We have all had a veil removed so that we can see God's glory. And we reflect that glory like a mirror reflects an image. The more we give God glory, we will reflect His glory more and more and more!!!
It is good how God blesses us and continues thoughts throughout the day...this was the veser I meditated on this morning.
Thanks for hearing His voice and letting your fingers type His message for me today!
I love you bunches my friend!
Hi,
Great post!!
I cannot believe your post is sooo talking to me today. It is a great reminder.
Thanks a bunch..
I love the shoe picture, you look like me...I have that many as well.
:)
God Bless you my sister in Christ
Sharon
I will add you to my blog so i don't miss any of these great posts.
It is easy to get snared into what the world thinks. Because it's so tangible. It's hard to listen for the still small voice of God and rest in him.
Thanks for this important reminder!
Hi Nichole,
Thanks for visiting my blog. Thought I'd stop over and say 'hi'.
Great post! Wonderful question to consider: "Who is getting the attention for this?" We place so much value on 'attention' - in fact, I heard it said recently that we even place a monetary value on it, as we say "pay attention", not give attention.
Praying that only the beauty of Jesus is seen in me.
Joy
Using a tool like Blogger, which allows for us to be published as often as we wish and to receive feedback and encouragement from the same, opens us up to going in myriad directions.
You have to stay true to your purpose. "God, look at all of these folks who have responded to what You gave me to say today--thanks! Your word continues to be the center of what I do."
The discipline to turn everything back to God is just that--a discipline. Keep it up, girl! :-)
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