WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY AND HE IS US

“For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.” -John 12:43 (NLT)

Jesus, may this not be true of me.  I know I come back to this theme over and over, but it’s such a big deal to me…and to you. 

It’s all about YOU not me. When I receive praise, respect, accolades from people, help me quietly thank them and pass it along to you.

“Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what’s the point of all this comparing and competing?” 1Corinthians 4:7 Msg. There is no point if I truly believe everything is sheer grace and gifts.

Wanting and seeking praise recognition from people will be a struggle until I go to meet you.

Additional thoughts:

“We have met the enemy and he is us.”

We have met the enemy and he is us! I am my own worst enemy and often get in the way of what Jesus wants to do. Self-worship, self-interest & self-preoccupation are idols that cause me to feed off of people’s praise.  

Years ago, in my regular morning Bible reading, meditation and journaling, I ran across John 5:41 in the NLT,

“Your approval or disapproval means nothing to me.”

My first thought was, of course it means nothing to you…you are God, but to me, approval or disapproval means a whole lot.  When I am approved I feel great…like I could run for president. And when I am disapproved, I feel like pond scum and want to run and hide somewhere.

Lord I’m tired of living like a yoyo…up and down and at the mercy of how others view me.  Let me live and minister for an audience of one…YOU!

This is totally possible through the power of the Holy Spirit who resides in me.

+To ponder:  Has it gotten to the place where the praise of men means more to you than the praise of God?