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.
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.
We are not meant to find our peace or fulfillment in this broken world. The hurt we experience here is temporary, no matter how deep it feels.
Everywhere we look today, it feels like the world is unraveling. People lash out in anger, friendships are torn apart, and love seems to grow colder by the day. It’s heartbreaking to witness how easily kindness is forgotten and how often relationships are sacrificed over pride, selfishness, or misunderstanding.
For those who are on the receiving end of pain, betrayal, rejection, or cruelty, it’s natural to feel the urge to fight back, to retaliate, to defend your heart. But God’s Word calls us to something higher. Hebrews 13:14 (NLT) reminds us, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” This truth gives us the strength to respond differently.
We are not meant to find our peace or fulfillment in this broken world. The hurt we experience here is temporary, no matter how deep it feels. Our citizenship is not of this earth; Philippians 3:20 (NLT) declares, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
When we remember that heaven is our true home, we gain perspective. The pain others inflict doesn’t define us; it refines us. Every trial becomes an opportunity to draw closer to Christ, to model His grace, and to reflect His light in the darkness.
So, when you feel like the world is falling apart around you, take heart. God sees your tears. He knows your hurt. And He promises that one day, all wrongs will be made right. Until then, walk in peace, love without fear, and keep your eyes fixed on the home that awaits you, where there will be no more sorrow, no more betrayal, and no more pain.
Heaven is our final destination. Let’s live each day with that hope in our hearts.
Related Song: This World Is Falling Apart
For anyone who has been hurt by the players in this world, remember, this world may be harsh, but we have heaven to look forward to. Please click to hear the song and video inspired by Hebrews 13:14 and Philippians 3:20.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to focus on what’s missing in life? Gratitude has a way of shifting our eyes away from what we lack and fixing them on what God provides.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to focus on what’s missing in life? The goals we haven’t yet reached, the resources we wish we had, or the problems that seem too big to solve. Gratitude has a way of shifting our eyes away from what we lack and fixing them on what God provides. When we choose thankfulness, our perspective changes, and so does our heart.
There was a time I lived without gratitude for the wonderful lifestyle I had. During this time, I lived in one of the largest houses in the neighborhood. It was a five-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2500-square-foot house with a large yard and other fine amenities. Still, I would see houses in what I perceived were more prestigious neighborhoods and wish I had one of those houses.
One day, all that I had was lost. My husband and I lost our jobs on the same day due to what companies were calling at the time, “right-sizing.” The result of this situation is that we suddenly had no income. We ended up losing the house and had to move into a small rental house until we could find jobs and buy a home again. This time, the house we purchased was in what I considered a less prestigious neighborhood. But I was happy and proud of my little house. As I look back at what I used to have, I realize I had more than enough. In fact, I had more than most people could ever imagine having.
It took losing everything to begin to appreciate the little things. I love my new life, and I am grateful for everything God gives me, no matter how small.
Gratitude trains our hearts to see God’s daily goodness. The truth is, God shows up in our lives every single day. Sometimes it’s in the big, undeniable moments, and other times it’s in the small details: a warm smile from a friend, the beauty of a sunrise, or the peace that comes with prayer. Gratitude opens our eyes to these blessings, reminding us that God’s faithfulness isn’t occasional, it’s constant.
Joy grows when we thank God for even the smallest moments. The Bible says, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV), Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Joy isn’t found in perfect conditions but in a heart that chooses to give thanks. When we pause to thank God for the little things, we cultivate joy that no trial can steal. Gratitude is like watering a garden. The more we pour into it, the more it blossoms.
Gratitude draws us closer to peace. When anxiety and worry press in, gratitude is the antidote. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) tells us, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The promise is clear: thanksgiving leads to peace. Gratitude is not just a nice thought; it’s a spiritual practice that connects us to the calm assurance that God is in control.
A Closing Nudge What if you began today with a simple gratitude list? Write down three small things you thank God for right now. It could be the breath in your lungs, the meal you just enjoyed, or the presence of a loved one. As you make gratitude a habit, you’ll begin to see how God is weaving goodness into every part of your life story.
Voice of Hope by Marlene 