Probably one of the hardest things you can do today is humbly accept a compliment. Most of the time when you hear a compliment, your head swells, your chest puffs out, your thinking constantly reviews the compliment, and in short you think too highly of yourself. Your ego takes over and your clear thinking is hazy as you bask in the words and glory of the compliment. This may not happen every time someone compliments you, but since you are flesh and blood and not spirit the number of times it happens can be devastating if not at least a big nuisance.
The sad news is you are not alone. Most of humanity when reacting in the flesh responds the same way. That does not make it right, or even acceptable, but it is in itself a fact. Someone asked Leonard Bernstein, “What the most difficult instrument to play?” Immediately he answered, “Second violin.” How insightful he was. Anyone can claim the limelight, but to be an accomplished musician and just not be good enough for first violin and be comfortable to play second violin is rare.
How about you? Do you always have to be first in everything you do? Do you feel insecure or feel you have little self worth if others do not compliment you? Search your self deeply and think what you think and feel either when the compliment does overwhelmingly come or fails to come at all.
The Holy Scriptures, being the practical daily guide that it is, speaks to this issue. “The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord, are riches, honor, and life” (Prov. 22:4). Thus, to have what is really being offered when someone compliment you, like more money, higher status, and abundant living on earth, the way to find it is through humility in the Lord. Naturally, when you are humble before the Lord, you reverence the Lord or in the words of the Scriptures, you “fear the Lord.” In short, the way up is really to seek to be down. Down in personal pursuits and up with Godly pursuits.
So don’t get a big head, but get a big heart for giving the things that you do to the glory of God, not your personal gratifications. Remember, the way up is really down! Start practicing that today.
