From Whom Does My Praise Come From?

     When Paul was addressing the matter of Jews vs. Gentiles, circumcision vs. uncircumcision he writes:

But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.  Romans 2:29 ESV

     That last sentence has stuck with me today.  "His praise is not from man but from God."  It's stuck with me in a convicting way.  From whom does my praise come from?  So often I'm worried about what others think about me.  I look for their approval - their praise.  But God's Word is very clear about fearing God vs. fearing men; seeking praise from God vs. praise from men.  God is a jealous God.  Does He not deserve all my fear?  Isn't His approval the only one worth seeking?
     The thing about being a Christian is that, while I receive amazing spiritual blessings, I seemingly become more and more despised by those of this world.  It's so tempting to try and compromise - to get spiritual benefits while still doing things that this world esteems.  But that's not the way Christianity works, and it is only when I abandon all that I will truly gain Christ.
     It's really humbling to realize that even if I want to give up all passions of the flesh, ONLY God can save me from it.  I myself do not have the ability to choose to follow God and abandon all worldly desires.  ". . . apart from Me [Jesus] you can do nothing" (John 15:5 ESV).

     Here are some verses on this topic:

• 2 Chronicles 19:7
• Joshua 4:24
• Job 28:28
• Psalm 19:9
• Proverbs 2:1-5
• Proverbs 8:13
• Proverbs 14:26-27
• Proverbs 15:33
• Proverbs 16:6

     These are only a handful of verses.  Consider doing a further Bible study on this topic.  Or consider writing these verses out on cards to meditate on (like I did).