Devotional Snapshot 75 - Blame

"If I feel bitterly towards those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love." Amy Carmichael...missionary to India

"If the praise of man elates me and his blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love." Amy Carmichael

"Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also your own heart has known that even you have cursed others." Ecclesiastes 7: 21,22

My defenses went up when someone pointed out that I was not perfect! Yesterday I overlooked something I should have attended to, today I was micromanaging to the point that I hurt the feelings of another.

The blame depressed me and I inwardly was defending myself and feeling anger towards my accuser. But just a few days ago I was complimented and I basked in the warm feelings of being "good enough". I inwardly agreed that their good estimation of me was accurate, for I sometimes I have that good thought about myself when no one is looking. Its nice to know others see it, too.

The scripture says in Romans 12:3 "...Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of your self with sober judgment..."

Don't take to heart everything people say. What good advice from the Lord! Neither praise nor blame should move me from my sober estimation of who I am before the living God. I am a horrible sinner who daily refuses to trust and follow my Savior. I deserve condemnation and if people knew me as God does they would rightfully have far more complaints than I ever get. If I feel bitter to those who even unjustly condemn me then as Amy says, "I know nothing of Calvary love."

And if I am elated by praise forgetting it is only God who enables me to do one right thing. And that left totally to myself I will always choose to be selfish then "I know nothing of Calvary love."

How do you do with praise or blame? Lets pray for each other today that none of it moves us except to love and serve our Savior more.