Test Day!

I'm thinking of two words today. One will probably bring a smile to your lips while the other causes you to cringe...Praise and Affliction. Let me guess which one brought the smile. It had the same affect on me as well. I found something interesting the other day about praise. Proverbs 27:21 tells us that man is tested by the praise he receives. And just above that scripture it says just like water reflects our faces, a man's heart reflects who he really is. I had to stop for a moment when I read these scriptures.

I have heard numerous times throughout my life of how affliction tests the individual and alot of ministers use the book of JOB to clarify this point. I do understand this and agree that affliction definitely tests us to the core but I'm also wondering about praise. What does it do for us? Few people walk in balance so I'm looking at the two extremes of what praise can do. For some, it is like a glass of ice tea on a hot summer afternoon. It brings a smile to the heart and lifts the downcast eyes of alot of people that feel no one ever notices their efforts. For others, it answers the invitation of pride that has been knocking and pursuing the heart. How does praise affect you? Do you find yourself working to receive it? Do you find yourself working harder after you've gotten it?

Can you see now how praise can be used to test us? Its amazing isn't it! I never saw it before but it clearly makes sense. People of great character are not swayed by words that flow from others lips. They continue to live out their own convictions in light of their relationship with Jesus Christ. They remain steadfast in doing the right thing whether its in the eyes of many or only in the eyes of the One that truly matters. It would be silly of us to stop praising others for their great work but we can change the way we approach it. Give it from a pure conscious, knowing they deserve honor where it is due. Also pray about how it is received on a personal basis, whether you are the one receiving or giving. It has certainly made me think about my reaction to it. Quite honestly I have found myself at both ends of the spectrum. And I am uncomfortable in either extreme because it is not where my Lord desires for me to be. A balanced Christian life is so important if we want to be people of integrity. And Christ is trying to help us become that kind of bride.

So remember the next time you hear your neighbor talking about how bad they are experiencing troubles or Affliction...their test might have a different cover than yours but the test of Praise is just as important and counts for a grade as well.