You like it when you do a good job at something and you are recognized. You work hard, and you enjoy being recognized for good work. In fact, when you put forth a lot of effort and do not receive any accolades, you feel low in spirit or even depressed.
Albert Einstein had some keen insight into this type of situation. He said, “Do not tell me what I do right. I know that. What I need to know is what I did wrong.” Now, that is a twist in your thinking. It makes a lot of sense. You do know what you do right, so there is no sense in others telling you those things. The actions, that you do wrong, are so often hidden from you. Thus, it makes sense for others to tell you what needs improvement.
In your spiritual life, to avoid worldly thoughts and behavior, requires right thinking. After all, your thinking dictates your actions. What, exactly, should you think about? Scripture is clear on this issue. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8). That verse tells you what to thing on. Thinking on these things will keep you living the victorious Christian life.
When you do a good job, it is nice to get a pat on the back. This makes you feel good, but actually does nothing to help you grow as a person. Your focus is on getting the praise, instead of doing the right thing(s). What is better is to focus on thinking the right thoughts, to cause you to do the right actions, and not focus on the praise.
So, what is better than a pat on the back? Thinking the right thoughts, which results in meditating on Godly thoughts and living Godly lives.
