~Archive - Number Forty One~
"Flattery"
In the end, people appreciate frankness
more than flattery.
Proverbs 28:23 (TLB)
I really appreciate my good friends who don’t just tell me things that “tickle my ears” and feed my insatiable pride. But instead, out of hearts of love, they give me their honest thoughts, feedback and wonderful suggestions. So often my creative side has a hard time remembering that old saying, “less is more”, and it seems whether I am decorating a cake, making homemade cards or wrapping presents, I have trouble knowing when to stop adding just “a bit more”. I need someone to say, “Stop already”!
I also appreciate my friends’ frankness in how they keep me in check when noticing my thought process is not lining up with God’s word. Or when I have allowed my emotions to override the truths I know. And how dear are those friends who would dare to be so honest, that they would let me know the outfit I am about to purchase is going to make me look older and fatter than I already am!! I cannot imagine any of us would want the type of friends we read about in Hans Christian Anderson’s book “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. These people were so intent on only flattering the emperor they didn’t warn him as he strutted through town stark naked!
Surely God’s Spirit is the One who speaks to us and guides us throughout our lives, but the Lord gave us people in whom we can also trust; Those people who dare to be real with us. Will we permit that kind of trust and that kind of openness? Oh believe me, everything in my flesh thrives on flattery, and yet at the same time it makes me uncomfortable. I know just how attentive and hungry my flesh is in just wanting to hear it. It is different when one points out ways they see Christ moving through me or working out the junk in my life. Is that the beginning of maturity? I can only hope so! For where flattery only stunts growth, bearing the fruit of the Spirit glorifies God. The Lord has such a heart to help you grow in Him.
All too often, we want to hear how good or kind we are. Or, we “sort of let it slip out” about the good things we are doing… but that is of the flesh. Let us encourage one another in the Lord, making notice of when we are doing His work, using the talents and gifts He gave us for His glory only. Do you need to hear some frankness saying, “Stop already”? Shall we all work on breaking the habit of feeding our flesh and choose instead to walk in the Spirit? May it be God’s heart that we please! May it be for Him that we do everything. The Lord sees and He knows and that’s what is most important.
I sometimes get compliments as people read my books and poems, and it is nice to hear those compliments. But what I really want to know is how they have been touched by them, or how God’s word is transforming them in some way. I want to hear how people can relate to some of the same issues or how they have been given a new freedom to share what is on their own heart. Those are the kind of comments that bring out the best and true fruitful work from the gifts I have been given (and not only wanting to listen to growth-stunting flattery). Lord help me with that! May it be our desire to always speak truth with grace and may it be our desire to be God pleasers!
Flood My Soul
Oh Lord, I have made my way through the barren
wilderness of empty self and foolish pride---
and now come to you on humbled and bended knees.
Your Word cascades a refreshing new life into
these dry bones--- for You are my stream
in the desert land and You send forth
abundant living water to flood my soul.
My hands come to you emptied and ready
to be lifted up in devoted consecration for
Your sacred service.
Pour on me Your Spirit, so that Your love may course
through these veins and that Your holy oil
anoints this servant for Your kingdom alone.
KM
Simple Blessings
May it be our desire that we be women who live in the present and are aware of the world around us. May we take notice of the blessings God gifts to each of us, and always long to hear His whispers. Shall we also pray with a more purposeful focus on God’s will? And as we stay connected in our relationship with Christ, we will become more thankful followers. Let us commit to doing this together! Close your eyes…Open your heart, let God’s Spirit empower you today.