Too funny! As I read my devotion for November 8th I thought, “Wow, I need to share this.” As I started typing, it dawned on me that I might have used this last year. Sure enough, I looked back and there it was. Obviously, God wants me to share this again. You might see it again next year as well because it really speaks to me.
Often Ron and I use our devotions from “Jesus Always” as the basis for our message.
Yesterday’s devotion really spoke to me so I thought I would share it with you. Remember, this is written like Jesus is talking to you.
BEWARE OF LOVING PRAISE FROM MEN more than praise from me. One of the effects of the garden of Eden is that people are overly concerned about what others think of them—their social or professional performance, their physical attractiveness. Advertisements for cosmetics and fashionable clothes can feed the hurtful tendency to be focused on one’s image.
I don’t want you preoccupied with how other people view you. I have lovingly shielded you from being able to read the minds of others. What they think of you is really “none of your business.” People’s thoughts are unreliable, distorted by their sinfulness, weaknesses and insecurities. Even if they praise you to your face, some of their thoughts about you will be quite different.
I am the only One who sees you as you truly are. Although you are far from perfect, I view you radiantly clothed in my perfect righteousness. Instead of seeking praise from men, seek to see me looking at you. My loving approval of you is shining from my face.
I wonder how much time we waste each day worrying about what others will think of us. The King of Kings loves us just the way we are. Might we have more peace if we cared less what others think about us and more about pleasing the one who loves us just as we are?
Shine, Shine, Shine!
Tina