Have you ever received praise for something you didn’t do? If you are like me, I am more likely to receive unjust criticism. But there are times when I have been praised for something I didn’t do. One time I was speaking in a church and the public notice called me “the most Reverand Doctor” I can assure you that I am none of those things.
What do you do in those cases? In the case that I just mentioned, I could do nothing about it. The notice had been published and to say something would only embarrass my hosts. So sometimes it is appropriate to say and do nothing. Are there times that we should insist on a correction? Probably? Out of integrity of heart we should not continue to receive praise that is not due to us.
Grace means undeserved favor. God has heaped all sorts of undeserved favor upon those who give him their lives and call upon him as Lord and Savior. He calls us his children, his delight, his beloved, and royal priests. In addition, Psalm 8:4-5 says, “what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.” God crowning me with glory and honor is definitely praise that I do not deserve. The best that I can do is to offer my love, thanks, and life back to him.
Reluctant Retiree 