Emphasis Preaching Journal

There is something about me that likes the pat on the back. Although it has been more than a quarter century, I still remember the conversation I had with our denomination's leader in our area. There was a warm feeling inside me as he voiced approval of something I had done well. That made me want to do even more for the work of the Kingdom of God. I felt "wanted." I liked the feeling very much. That bit of praise made it harder and harder to say "no" to new opportunities that came my way. One success builds other successes. Before too long you are building a sand castle of successes in the eyes of others. As I look back over the quarter century just behind me, I sense that it was that first approval that ultimately led to my going into the pastorate. The details are personal, and I want to leave it that way. But, yes, a pat on the back went a long way for me. Then I read in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus is teaching God's ways to his disciples. And they contradict everything I have said about praise and pats on the back. God says that what is done in secret, he will take notice of. And that he will reward. Give your gifts in secret, fast in secret, and pray in secret. These are God's ways. How far removed from God's ways I feel at times. Then I remember that it is one thing to feel removed from God's ways, but absolutely another to be removed from feeling God. A believer is never removed from God's love -- never from his presence -- always in his care. That goes a long way to offset the ego trip I sometimes find myself on. How about you?
-- Shearer