Thursday, November 16

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017

"Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,

   but a person is tested by being praised."

(Proverbs 27:21, NLT)

This verse speaks to a great truth about our hearts:  we like to take credit for our positive traits or accomplishments.  Our pride allows us to elevate ourselves; success goes to our heads.  While God may bless you with wild success, we must remember the Giver of every good and perfect gift, the Father of heavenly lights! (James 1:17)

On the flip side, we may shift blame for our shortcomings or failures, shaking our fists at God and others.  There is a secular proverb that points to this phenomenon:  "Success has many fathers, but failure has none."

Maturity entails recognizing that outcomes do not reflect what truly matters:  our relationships with God and others and our character.  We hold little control over outcomes; God directs the affairs of men and the world like the watercourse.  We are called to remain faithful to Him and to give praise to Him both in joy and sorrow.

While it is a long-term process, we should invest in thinking on what is noble and good (Philippians 4:8), giving thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), and learning to carry a joyful attitude (Philippians 4:12,13).

What circumstances or words have tested your heart recently?  How did they resemble the fires that cleanse silver and gold?  What really matters to you, both in good times and bad?

Lord God, thank You for giving us encouragement on how to handle both positive and negative circumstances.  Thank You for giving us the Body of Christ with whom we may process both joys and sorrows.  Thank You for refining us through both praise and criticism.  Help us to be accountable for our shortcomings and grateful for Your blessings.  Make us more into Your image so that others may see our good deeds and praise You, our Father in heaven.  In Jesus's Name, amen.