“How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another
and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?”
I have written some technical papers as an engineer of a semiconductor multi-national company. If your paper is chosen for publication, you will be given a token money prize. I admit, this is one motivation for me for writing those technical papers. But don’t get me wrong - those reports are product of hardwork and thorough analysis. But, of course, getting the prize is something else, especially for one who is just starting to raise a family.
Actually, there is another motivation. That is being chosen to present your paper to fellow engineers. Getting their praise for a job well-done is good to the heart. It makes you feel being important for having done something good for the advancement of the company – and of course, my career.
In our spiritual life, we are not only interested in doing something that is good to the heart. We must pursue more on doing things that is good to the soul. In this case, money and human praises is not enough. In fact, they would never be enough. Only praising God, and being praised in return, because of Him is the only thing that can satisfy our soul. Praise must be an expression of our whole being. We are called to praise God not only with our voices but by our actions. Thus even though our tongues may be silent our actions should cry out in praise of God.
By making us wait and giving us a gift of praise, God increases our desire for Him. It enlarges the capacity of our beings so that we are able to receive what will be given to us. God really means to fill us with His goodness. Praise Him and glorify Him. It is really good for the soul.
Almighty Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise you and give you glory: We bless you for calling us to be your holy people. Remain in our hearts, and guide us in our love and service. Help us to let our light shine before others as we lead them to the way of faith.
“God and Spirit, receive our love and prayer,
Praise to You, Jesus – my Lord and my Master.
Holy Trinity of love, we praise you now and for ever.”
Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
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