Sometimes, Christians mistake deflection for humility. We see it often: a pastor delivers a powerful, life-giving sermon, and when someone says, “Thank you,” the response is a quick dismissal, with eyes lifted upward and hands raised, as if to say, “It wasn’t me; it was the Lord.” Worship leaders do the same, shrinking back when thanked for a Spirit-led time of praise, believing that accepting a compliment somehow diminishes God’s glory.
But Scripture teaches us something deeper.
When a believer is working under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, acknowledging their obedience does not rob God of praise; it returns it to Him. The Apostle Paul understood this balance well. He wrote:
“I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)
Paul did not deny his effort, nor did he claim the glory. He recognized the work and credited the power behind it. That is true humility.
When someone thanks a spiritual servant for a job well done, they are recognizing evidence of God at work. To reject that acknowledgment outright is not humility. It risks silencing the testimony of what the Holy Spirit has accomplished through willing hands.
The better response is to receive the compliment with gratitude and intentionally pass the praise where it belongs. A simple, sincere acknowledgment honors both the obedience of the servant and the power of the Spirit working through them.
So accept the compliment, and then offer it upward.
That is not pride.
That is stewardship of praise.
Voice of Hope by Marlene 