Nothing to Fear
Posted by James MacDonald on February 20, 2007 10:13 PM | Comments (4)Hey:
I just got back from the National Religious Broadcasters Convention. Walk in the Word received an award for "Best Radio Bible Teaching Program of the Year." It was really pretty exciting to have the work of ten years and many wonderful people on our team acknowledged by the 1600 NRB members who nominate and vote on this award annually. It was VERY humbling to be greeted and congratulated by so many fellow radio Bible teachers that I love and respect like David Jeremiah, Jack Graham, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Bob Coy, Hank Hannegraaff, Kay Arthur, and Chip Ingram, etc.
I have to say I really sense a difference in my spirit when I am standing in front of people to preach God's Word and when I am up there for any other reason. I always feel so self conscious when I am outside my area of giftedness. So when I got the award, (picture about 1500 people and an "Oscar like" presentation where they call you up, shake your hand and give you a thing made out of glass with nice words on it). Anyway, I stepped to the microphone and said . . .
Anyway, I stepped to the microphone and said . . . "thank you," and not another word. I think they were all shocked that I got off the stage in about 7 seconds, and I was too. I couldn't wait to sit down and I have been trying to figure out why. Even when people approached me personally in the lobby I found it hard to simply say thank you. I had to defer the congratulations with some comment like, "I'm sort a like 'Bob Dole for president,' it's my turn." Man, what's my problem? Here's some suggestions:
1) I was being humble. Naaaa, I do believe the Lord has been bringing me low through various trials in the last year, and deeply humbling me, but I'm sure I'm not there yet, so that can't be it.
2) I was showing false humility. You know, where you're all self effacing on the outside, but in your heart you're thinking, "I'm AWESOME!" Naaaa, cause I really don't think that.
3) I'm afraid. Like if I accept the praise of men I will somehow dishonor the Lord and lose the favor He has so generously given and I so don't deserve. Yeah, I think that's it, I feel afraid, like I'm gonna forfeit something good.
Why are we able to acknowledge God's favor as 'unearned' but still fear forfeiting them? Not good! I'm gonna work on that. If I didn't merit a miracle in my life, I shouldn't fear its loss as though God is quickly offended and capricious in what He gives. 1 Peter 1:5 says that we are kept by the power of God. I love the idea that what God does in us is preserved ultimately by Him and not by us. No reason to fear really, He who began a good work in us is still performing it (Phil 1:6) Faithful is He who has called me who WILL ALSO DO IT! (1 Thess 5:24) God knows our hearts; let's accept the encouragement of our brothers and sisters in Christ and not fear that in doing so we will somehow dishonor God. I'm gonna do better on this, nothing to fear! That's what's up with me today.
God bless you!
james
Comments
Posted by: Joe Martin | February 21, 2007 09:44 AM
Hi James,
It is hard to be in the spotlight when it is on you verse a topic being discussed. I have struggled with that in my business life. I have no problem talking in front of a group about something but when I become the focus, I want to run for the hills. I think of athletes who are good at acknowledging God for the talent He has blessed them with and try and relate that to how I should respond when people want to compliment me on a good meeting/presentation. I somehow, someway need to acknowledge Him in all my ways. In the business world, bringing Jesus into the conversation always raises some eyebrows but how can I not? Unfortunately, I too often talk a better game that I live out.
God bless,
Joe
Posted by: PastorHughes | February 21, 2007 05:17 PM
Receiving the praise of men is not contradictory to receiving the praise of God. Just like having riches on earth is not contradictory to having riches in heaven. Jesus taught us again that the issue was in priority and focus.
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
If you are faithfully serving God then your fellow laborers (especially!) should praise the work of God being done in you and through you. Even the political powers that be are said to praise those who live uprightly.
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
I believe the acknowledgment of your peers was to say, James we appreciate the fact that you have faithfully pursued that which is good and have not wavered from it, you are an example of Godly service in the realm of radio broadcasting.
This is definately a praiseworthy saying. Don't let the enemy throw condemnation and fear at you, be free from that. Let their praise encourage you to continue your faithful walk (it is definately not in vain!); let their praise reflect off you and praise be to God.
Be Blessed!
Posted by: thomas | February 21, 2007 11:56 PM
James,
I just happened to be listening to a station here in LA and found the speaker to be very authentic and direct. Dude, this guy reminded me of you! Man, he had his theology all lined up and man...this guy had some delivery! I kept listening...Dude...IT WAS YOU! I enjoyed hearing you speak back in the GYM in Rolling Meadows a long time back. I can't believe that I can tap into this in SO CAL. Man...you've got a totally blessed ministry. Thank you JESUS for bringing James back into my life. Hold me accountable with your preaching, man! I need it! I have learned so much from God's word when you speak! Keep on keepin on!!!
Thank you JESUS!!!
You are the coolest!
Thomas
Posted by: Sonya | February 23, 2007 06:51 AM
I struggle with the same thing and am not sure what advice I can give, but I feel you. I get embarrassed when people compliment me and want to deflect it, but let me remind you of something you said that spoke to me. You were talking about people on the worship team (I think) who when you compliment them deflect the compliment. You said something about humbleness versus just saying thank you and that helped me. I sing and fear that I am not good yet when people tell me that I am I feel embarrassed and change the subject or whatever. I do know part of it is what you said about not wanting to take "credit" from God because He is the giver of all perfect and good gifts, but due to what you said, I just say thanks.
I know that is vague!!! but hopefully you remember what you said better than I do!! LOL Hey, I may not have the exact words, but I got the jist and tried to heed it, so take your own advice and just say thanks, but don't get puffed up!!! Love you in the Lord!