Date: 02-07-2020

Title: Dealing With Praise

(S) cripture:
    Acts 14:12-15 (NASB77) And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.

(O) bservation:
    When the people saw the miracles Barnabas and Paul were performing they began to praise and worship them as gods. Barnabas and Paul would have nothing of it and declared they were just men who were preaching the gospel of Jesus to the people so they would turn from this kind of “idol” worship. Barnabas and Paul wanted their lives to praise and worship the Lord and wanted no part of taking advantage for personal gain.

(A) pplication:
    The praise and adulation of the people can be addictive and give you an inflated and misguided view of yourself and your importance. As a Pastor I am with people in some of the most important, stressful, and joyful times of their lives. The birth of a child, death of a loved one, marriages, loss of a job, and loss of a relationship are some of those times. In those times often people are so grateful for our presence that produces praise and loyalty. Some pastors let this go to their head and begin to think they are the source of the help they are giving. I never want to take credit for something that God has done. Like Barnabas and Paul, I am just a man who preaches the gospel of Jesus. I want my life and ministry to point people to Jesus and not to me.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I want my life to always point people to you. Make me aware of when I think more highly of myself than I ought to think (Romans 12:3). Amen