Compliments are like candy. They’re pleasurable in small amounts. But the moment we try to live on them we grow weak and sickly. Just ask any miserable, spiritually undernourished pop idol, sports hero, or movie star. Adulation isn’t nutrition. True, it can signal that we’re reaching our target audience (no small thing for writers). But the moment increasing our praise becomes our purpose, our souls start to shrivel.
I had a taste of ego candy early on when my comedy act began headlining festivals. It was exhilarating playing to thousands. But when people swarmed around us afterward, telling us how great we were, my teeth began to ache. It was only when someone said that a certain line “really spoke” to them that I felt nourished. This, after all–speaking truth into people’s lives–was why I was here.
And it still it is.
At one point, John the Baptist’s core followers complained that all of his former disciples were now following Jesus. John’s response? “I am not the Christ.” It wasn’t false humility, it was truth. This was why he had come, he said. And then he went on to speak of his “joy” in preparing the way for the One who was the Christ.
And so I borrow John’s words to remind myself of what really matters: “He must increase, and I must decrease.” This is why I’m here. This is what feeds my soul.
This is my joy!
I think maybe its the hunger, the desperation, the need for something like adulation that causes problems because it’s a symptom of a deeper problem? Kind of like how power is a good thing, awesome, and yet power hungry people get quite desperate and often do rotten things. Something we probably need to ask ourselves, why are you starving? What’s driving this hunger? God’s love is abundant, plentiful, He will heap love upon you, give you more than you can handle. Alas, a lot of us go seeking things out in the world to try to satisfy a hunger that only He can.
LOL! Just for the record, flattery will get you everywhere. We need more compliments, more kindness, more love out in the world. Lay it on thick, y’all. It’s definitely not food for our souls, but it is a good dessert. 🙂
;>)
We only choose what we are taught to choose; what is revealed to us for us to choose. Parents. Industries from which we make our living (most kill the Earth in some way – hybrid cars are sourced from two NON-RNEWABLE sources, carbon footprints galore. 8 billion angels on the earth; 8 billion revelations LIVING OUT THE END. What are their actual states? How have we contributed, to each other, through six degrees of separation?
would you want to know that, or…would rather feed the industries of war? What’s HUMAN AIM – COLLECTIVELY?
We can judge. EASY. I judge based on what human life revealed (human discerning; on-line for me to choose from). What was past; now is future…good and evil; never ending. ECCLESIASTES.
And GOD only wanted “Life.” GENESIS.
How do…or how have your lives impacted other’s that caused a fall…or a stumble that ended another’s LIFE? I BET YOU TELL YOURSELVES – “I GAVE THEM MY BEST.” FOR ME, IT IS the best of an evil life redeemed…and repentant. I gave up death, and every day…I think about killing myself just because of what I was taught to choose from. What HUMANS reveal as choices…and they/we all have our own set of consequences TO SHARE.
8 BILLION; WORKING EVERY MOMENT AS A DYNAMO THAT DRIVES THIS WORLD TO RUIN. Man (Only) made: WAR, Famine, pestilence and Death.
DO YOU KNOW how your lives effect other’s based on THEIR LIFE lived; without their testimony to compare – that GOD KNOWS more than you? And you still take actions; say things you think are your best…not knowing anyone but yourselves.
Humans will judge themselves…in the end. GOD wrote the very laws of nature. AUTOMATIC. No thought required. And the evidence is quite clear that there is no thought.
I dare say, You do NOT know yourselves, BUT…humans forbid, the truth would be revealed. And at the end, it is only half of the truth. 8 billion half truths to live by. Un-unified, and you say…”It’s GOD’S will.” But in the beginning, there was The Tree Of “Life!” THAT was GOD’S will.
Humans CHOSE what GOD would present as choices. “CURSED!” And Jesus was murdered.
Period.
I like semi-colons – natural qualifiers.
I didn’t know that about John the Baptist! What great wisdom and humility. He was a true follower of Christ. Thanks for the Sunday pick me up, as always!
My pleasure, Caroll!
Insecurity and the need to be “loved” drives many self-doubting people, who seek reassurance, to strive to put themselves front and center because their relationship with our all-loving God is weak or nonexistent. Thanks for the compelling message, Mitch. 🙂
My privilege, Nancy.
John’s saying reminds me of the Biblical story of King David and Jonathan. Jonathan was the man who was supposed to be King but never was. He realized it was God’s will for David to be the one to increase and did not resent David for that.
Spot on example, Sashi!
Definitely food for thought and a timely reminder for me. Thanks Mitch.
My privilege, Randy.
The reward isn’t in the respect, it’s in knowing what our purpose is, to bring Christ front and center.
Blessings brother
Exactly. And blessings to you, brother.
Thank you for sharing, Mitch. I needed this. The internet and social media are full of ego candy these days.
They certainly are, Chanél.
Thanks for sharing this!
My privilege, Doval.
The candy analogy is perfect. Praise is nice but it should not be the objective of our words or deeds.
Exactly, I.V.
Love this Mitch. An encouraging and important reminder to not seek after praise or applause from others.
👍
As always, I am blessed by the post. Timely reminder and important truth to remember.
Thanks, San.
Well, this post spoke to my heart because I don’t know how to decrease so He can increase…
It’s a long learning curve, Iba. I know because I’m still on that curve myself.
Keep on keeping on Mitch and keep on encouraging us.
Thanks, Iba!
SO true! Thanks for sharing, Mitch.
My privilege, Rainer.
Well shared, Mitch!
Thanks, T!
My pleasure.
Very true!
I still remember, vividly, the smiles of a couple below me as I played a waltz for Dave Dudley’s band. Dave ushered me up with a gesture and I played with his orchestra. It was the highlight of my career and feed on it when I think I cannot play for pay anymore. Addictive and now I give the praise to God who, the executor of my destiny, gave me that ability to entrance that couple with music. It was smiles for each other and not really for me. It was smiles for our God, who once gave all three of us beauty for that time. I just got to help them dance with entrancement for one another. It was pretty good. Jack
What a wonderful perspective, Jack.
It is such a huge temptation for me to “need” praise, because I currently work as a supply preacher, usually 45 weeks a year is my limit which means dislocation from week to week. When people express gratitude for my sermon I am so willing to “sop it up” because I don’t have the ongoing connection that being settled in a parish brings. I find myself watching out that I do not get sucked into it.
Sounds like you’re wisely and prayerfully aware of such temptations, Maren. (Matthew 26:41)
51:16 clean thy heart
People better be careful with their ego, its something to balance, not to just chew it like a candy
This is really good, as are all of your posts. But this one resonates. The minute I stopped thinking about “me,” I became a better writer. Praise is not important. Reaching an audience with something important to say is what matters.
I couldn’t agree more, David.
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What a perfect analogy, Mitch! I’ll have to remember that one.
Especially since I haven’t eaten candy (except the sugar free kind) in 20+ years, and health-wise, I’m doing very well. 👍
Good for you, Annie!
This is a great analogy, Mitch! As a friend of mine likes to say, “Ego is NOT your Amigo.”
I like it!
This is good to hear. I’m experiencing periods of frustration, and it stems from seeking validation and accolades. Let God increase.
Exactly. Glad you found it helpful, Eric.