A Change of Heart

“. . . a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people” (Romans 2:29 NLT).

Have you thought or said, Look at me? I won most likely to succeed in high school. I graduated college with honors and three degrees. I received a promotion over five other people being considered. I own a successful business. 

Are these comments about ourselves wrong?

Sounds like the “I” syndrome. Who blessed or gifted us? We’ve been told we should toot our own horn and brag about ourselves. Should we? Is that what God’s Word teaches? To seek praise and admiration from others?

I’m guilty. A few months ago, I posted a photo on Facebook holding a trophy for the best impromptu speech at Toastmasters. I’ll admit. It felt good to be recognized for an accomplishment, but the verse above says I need to seek praise from God. Not people.

Why do we leave Him out? Only through God can we achieve anything. Without Him, we are nothing.

Should we instead take on the attitude, I’m not that good, or I’m no one special? God in you makes you special and good if you’re his child.

Either way, the problem lies in us. We may need a change of heart to understand every good gift is from God. James 1:17 says, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father . . .” (NLT). We shouldn’t brag about or condemn ourselves.

To seek God’s praise and give Him credit for any accomplishments in my life, I need a heart change to recognize He performs His giftings through me.

“For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36 NLT).

There is one exception to bragging rights, however—grandchildren. I do have three of the best. Although, I understand they are a gift from the Lord.

God's Wonderful Gifts

“You gave me these just to hurt me,” cried my five-year-old daughter from the back seat of the car.

She loved me to bring her little gifts when I picked her up after school. A friend at work would often bring me her children’s outgrown clothing or toys, and my daughter came to expect these gifts. On this afternoon, before I left work, I looked for something I could take her—something special from her mama. The only thing I could find was a small bag of potato chips from the vending machine. Although this was not the healthiest of snacks, I knew she would like them. I didn’t realize her lips were chapped, and the salt would make them burn. I hoped to please her with a little gift, but she accused me of intentionally hurting her.

How often are we like this with God? He gives us gifts each and every day, but we often complain. We may think He’s punishing us for some reason. He may give us sunshine when we want rain for our garden. Or He may bring rain when we want to spend time outdoors to enjoy a picnic with our family or friends.

We may become upset with Him for not answering our prayers the way we think He should. But He may be at work designing a gift for us that might result in a bigger blessing than we ever imagined. The Lord knows what lies ahead; we need to trust He has our best interests at heart.

Some of God’s little blessings are often overlooked. Have you considered these? A bird singing outside your window. A visit with a friend you haven’t seen for a long time. Maybe the gift of a family member who stops what he is doing to help you carry in the groceries when you bring them home. A hug from a child. Or hearing the words, “I love you.”

Little gifts and blessings can impact us in big ways. They’re even better when we share them with others.

Just as I wanted to do something special for my daughter that day, God desires to bless us. We need to be mindful of the little gifts He gives us every day and be thankful for them.

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words” (2 Corinthians 9:15).