“You need to learn how to take a compliment.”
That’s what a friend told me almost 40 years ago and I’m still learning.
Even as someone who has spent my adult life in public and “up front” it’s still a little unsettling for the compliments to be too effusive.
Now, don’t get me wrong; I like to be complimented. And it feels pretty awesome for someone to tell me how special, talented, good-looking, and humble I am. (I hope you caught the intended humor there).
The problem is that I have lived in a context that promotes and platforms certain abilities and characteristics while reminding us how unworthy we are of all of those blessings.
So those of us who do public things within a faith community context have been taught to say things like, “Well, it really wasn’t me; it was Jesus” or “I really can’t take any credit for that; God gave it to me.”
Truth be told, we are not nearly as impressed with ourselves as other people seem to be sometimes, and we really do believe that whatever abilities we have are gifts from God.
And we certainly don’t want to be guilty of robbing Him of glory that only He deserves.
That all came back to me again this morning as I read Psalm 115.
Psalm 115:1 in the New International Version (the one I began with this morning) says,
“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”
I decided to search a few other translations to see the various ways this verse is expressed.
New Living Translation:
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.”
The Message:
“Not for our sake, God, no, not for our sake, but for your name’s sake, show your glory. Do it on account of your merciful love, do it on account of your faithful ways.”
The Voice:
“Not for us, O Eternal One; this glory is not for us—but for Your name because of Your loyal love and truth.”
King James Version:
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.”
So, what do you do when someone pays you a compliment and you don’t want to steal God’s glory?
Here’s a suggestion: Just say, “Thank you.”
There is nothing wrong with graciously receiving a compliment.
I have concluded that it is not possible for me to “rob” God of His glory because His glory originates within Himself and not from me. I am unable to diminish Him in any way.
It is, however, possible for me to diminish myself and my purpose if I decide I need to go fishing for compliments and glory for myself.
It is not my job to “give” Him glory. It is my job to display how glorious He is by demonstrating His character in all my endeavors and sharing with joy, grace, gratitude, and generosity the best of what He has placed within me.
As long as I remain amazed by God, I will continue to discover my amazing in Him.
Be amazing today, my friend.
