“for they loved human praise more than the praise of God.”

It’s that time of the year when the “Best of Lists” start to get formulated. Yesterday in the newspaper there was an insert for the American Bar Association’s Best Local Attorneys. It was a long list, sliced and diced by every specialty. And for sure there will be plaques and recognition happening in each of the offices of the named firms and people as they begin to market the accolades for their new business. The same will happen over the next couple of months in every industry and across the corporate world in every business trade magazine. We love our lists and we love to see who will be on this year’s list, or not. Some of those lists cost lots of money to reach, but for most it is worth it to be able to say that they got there. Recognition remains important and we could do even better jobs of being sure that the same level of emphasis we put on the external lists, we be sure an put on our internal people and their accomplishments. Let’s not forget that peer recognition is as powerful, if not more powerful than any other form.

Yes, we all need recognition and we all need praise every now and then. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t get a little boost from it when it comes their way. But, as we know, it is fleeting and sometimes comes with extra pressure to perform going forward. There is only one praise that lasts and comes with no extra requirements and that is the praise that God showers down on us when He sees us pursuing and living for Him. We’ve got to be careful that we don’t put the emphasis on praise from people over praise from God. If that happens we should know that we have our priorities in the wrong order. Today, take a moment and ask yourself what praise is that you are seeking and which is more important? If we are honest with ourselves the answer can help us make the necessary course corrections of life.

Reference: John 12:43 (New Living Testament)