Practicing Hesed (6): Standing Ovations
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8
Worthy of Praise – God believes in rewards for effort. You can experience the applause of heaven. You can take center stage and hear clapping in the saints’ hall of fame. You can receive the ultimate commendation, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
That is surely what Paul has in mind when he uses the word epainos. The root means, “praise given in return for benefits received.” This is recognition for a job well done. And what makes a job praiseworthy? To answer that question, we need to look at a few other occurrences of this word.
Romans 2:29 – praise comes from God, not from men
Romans 13:3 – praise results from doing good
2 Corinthians 8:18 – praise is tied to the gospel
Ephesians 1:12 – praise is attributed to those who trust in Christ
Ephesians 1:6 – praise ultimately belongs to God
Do you want God’s standing ovation? Are you anxious to be applauded by the saints? Then concentrate on achievements that honor God, not men; that produce good regardless of the cost; that proclaim the good news of grace in Jesus; that serve the elect; and that recognize God’s worthiness in all that you do.
God rescued us by His sovereign act of grace. I get no credit on that account. Jesus did it all. But once rescued, I do have a role to play and for that, God gives applause. He acknowledges my service. He lauds my faithfulness. It makes Him proud to know that I diligently strive to be His worthy servant. When I set my sights on God’s view of praise, my life will begin to reflect redemptive existence. I get to be a tiny slice of heaven on earth. What else would you expect if the Holy Spirit resides in me? Should I be just another ordinary human being? Never! My old ordinary self died when I submitted myself entirely to Jesus. I walk around disguised as the man is used to be, but I am someone else on the inside. Now I am someone who seeks God’s applause.
Who’s clapping for you?
