Are You Free from Praise?

We all want to be “somebody,” don’t we? We all want to contribute to this world in a meaningful way and receive some praise and respect for who we are and what we’ve done. In fact, much of our energy and effort can be consumed trying to prove to the world we have something special; talent, gifts, size, brains, knowledge, looks, money…

When we strive to be a “somebody,” we are never enough are we? There is never lasting satisfaction or peace is there? We never get enough of what we’re looking for very long. Oh, we may gain success and receive honors and acclaim, but how long does it last? We always need to accomplish more and be more to prove we still have what we claim. And then do it again and again.

Earning and needing recognition becomes an exhausting merry-go-round. What if you could be at peace with who you are right now? What if you could detach yourself from your accomplishments, so they don’t become part of who you are? You don’t need them to be a “somebody.” You already are enough just the way you are.

Striving for recognition and praise is a losing game. I know because I needed it to be complete and feel good about myself for years. Praise is filled with partial truths that are deceiving. We take credit for ALL we did when the truth is our God given talents played a significant role.

Pride gets a foothold when we start to believe the claims others make about us. This is the beginning of narrow mindedness and possible poor decision making. A full topic for another time.

Enter FREEDOM! Set yourself free by believing and accepting it is not you alone earning the praise. When you truly believe that, the urge and desire to accept the bondage of praise and respect will diminish. It will stop having meaning. Get praise and respect out of your way and be free!

God is the reason for everything in our life. Your intelligence, abilities, talents, parents, looks- everything about you, plus your wealth, house, car, friends this country and the world have all been brought into your life because of God or the gifts God gave you. You and I are nothing without Him; absolutely nothing.

And that is just perfect.