Can you Take a Compliment? – Kirsten Shaw

Today’s scripture: Psalm 34:4-5 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?

My thoughts (Kirsten Shaw):

It has been such a blessing for me to have Music Director Jason Powell join LifeJourney church. To see how a love for Jesus transforms a soft-spoken, modest man into a musical powerhouse, who radiates joy and passion for the Lord? It’s downright contagious.

Until a few weeks ago, Jason would consistently respond to my post-service, mushy-gushy accolades with humble deflection. One Sunday, I noticed that Jason was radically less resistant to my praise when I amended my approach to be a celebration of how Jesus used Jason to spread His Glory.

Many of us are uncomfortable accepting accolades. But we need not feel self-conscious when others compliment our talents. Instead, may we process praise as a tribute to our gifts from God. On the movie soundtrack for The Greatest Showman, the song “This is Me” serves as a reminder of how we can become the best version of our gifts and ourselves; we need only to cast away any shame of our imperfections and surrender to the grace and strength of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Take a listen and see if you hear the same message:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/XLFEvHWD_NE?rel=0&start=59

Thought for the day:  “Gracious God, thank you for the perfection of my imperfections. May I learn to accept compliments as praise of your glory. Use the gifts you have given me to help bring love and light into the world. Amen.

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.