God Bless your Heart

Blame it on my Southern roots or not, but this is a phrase I use often and not always as a term of endearment. When viewing the world today, it is a phrase that I have on speed dial, especially when dealing with ignorant people/circumstances.

We live in a world where people are consumed in self-worship and adoration. No, they are not inviting you to “share in” their success or thank you for your work in helping them succeed. They are asking for you to validate them, praise them, adore them and giving your all to doing anything they ask, whenever they ask.

Sounds innocent? I think not!

Worship*:  to honor or reverence as a divine being or supernatural power. To regard with great or                                     extravagant respect, honor, or devotion.
Praise*:    to glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections; to express a favorable                                 judgment of.  
Idolize*:  to worship as a god; broadly; to love or admire to excess.
                 *Definitions are courtesy of http://merriam-webster.com/.

You can see the problem, but there is one that might not be as obvious. Worship, praise and honor belong to no one but God. When you go outside of that order, you are wasting your time.

The people you encounter that demand this type of validation disguised as friendship/support/love, etc., will NEVER be satisfied. The need for this arrangement is deep rooted and, regardless of how much time you spend trying to make him/her happy, it will never work.

• In John 5:44 (GNT), Jesus said:  You like to receive praise from one another, but you do not try to win praise from the one who alone is God; how, then, can you believe me?
• Psalm 96:4-5 (ESV): 4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.

Don’t envy the success of others, nor participate in vain worship in order to be accepted. Success doesn’t require selling your soul or compromising your morals, principles or values. Any temporary gain will result in ultimate loss. God forbid! God bless your heart and theirs too!