BIG HEAD

Prov 25:27 It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one’s own glory is not glory.

In all probability, most individuals can look back on a time when a parent, teacher, or an employer, voiced their approval in a way that motivated them to do even better. Yes, an encouraging word can be a great motivator. However, there’s a hidden danger, and it’s a disease called “Big Head!”

It’s quite contagious, and the deadly virus is spread attached to praise. I know it’s deadly, because God saw fit to warn us in His Word, way back in Prov 16:18. He said, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Yes, a “Big Head,” caused by “pride,” will bring you down; it will debilitate you as surely as a stroke, a heart attack, or the dreaded disease called AIDS!

So beware my friend, because for many individuals, praise is virtually as difficult to handle as criticism, therefore, “let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”(Phil 2:3)

Jesus stated it another way; He said “Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”(Mat 18:4) Because of the admonition in God’s Word, it’s possible that you may sometimes feel confused, concerning the correct way to give, or to receive accolades.

So let’s take a look at some ways you may correctly accept recognition:

1. Recognize the plaudit: There’s no better, nor more appropriate way to respond to praise, than two simple words, “Thank you!” And an absolute NO-NO is to belittle the words in any way or give justifications why you do not deserve them.

Ladies, I’ll bet there been a time when someone complimented you on a dress, or something similar, and you responded, “Oh, it’s just an old one!” There’s two things wrong with an answer like that:

a. You’re putting down the compliment given to you;
b. You’re implying that you have something much better!

2. Pinpoint and accept: Identify and acknowledge the quality of your character, that led the other person to offer his praise. Someone might tell you that you have a giving nature, or are compassionate. There’s nothing wrong with accepting that, but be aware of the deadly virus attached, called “Big Head!”

3. Appropriately deflect: When it’s appropriate, divert the praise to others. As an example, someone might compliment you on the fine food at the church supper. It would be proper for you to mention that was someone else, not you, who prepared, and provided that “fine food!”

My friend, when you learn the art of rightly praising others, it’ll build their self-esteem, and at the same time, insulate you from pride.

4. Share: Yes, share what the encouragement means to you. If someone tells you how they enjoyed your singing, you might say, “That really encourages me; I’ll try even harder next time!”

The bottom line is that both castigation and pride, can be an asset to you, or a danger; it’s your response to either, that’s crucial.

Avoid a “Big Head; accept tributes.

It works!

BLESSINGS
RAMONA P.