August 17

“Pride is devastatingly subtle. Check your motives when you cringe in the background [when someone compliments you].  Could it be because you unconsciously long to call attention to yourself?  If we run ourselves down as Christians, we are not only running down the redeemed of Jesus Christ, we are still pointing to ourselves!”  Eugenia Price, S.P.S. 8/17

Eugenia has uncovered another lie of the ego--to tear yourself down is a sign of humility.  As she points out we are only bringing attention to ourselves and in the process implicating Jesus Christ!  If we are indeed new creatures and it is Christ that lives in us and no longer us who lives, any compliment given to us should be received as Christ would receive it--with compassion.  Why do I say “with compassion”?  Because compassion is what keeps the compliment from reaching our fleshly egos which is more than ready to tempt us into either claiming the compliment for ourselves or rejecting it in order to bring even more attention to ourselves.  Compassion focuses on the other person.  Perhaps the compliment was given because that person is envious or may be attempting to use flattery to get us to do more.  Compassion would allow us to see through this without condemnation.  If the compliment is given in all genuineness, compassion will receive it for the glory of God because in our hearts we know the compliment was meant for Him and we need not point that out to anyone because we are about our Father’s business, not our own.

“I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive.  How can you believe, who receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”  John 5:43, 44