FLATTERY 2
"A MAN WHO FLATTERS HIS NEIGHBOUR SPREADS A NET FOR HIS FEET."
Proverbs 29:5 (NKJV)
• Whoever gives or assists others, that is, give to those in need, with a blowing of trumpets; such has already received his or her rewards:
2 “THUS, WHEN YOU GIVE TO THE NEEDY, SOUND NO TRUMPET BEFORE YOU, AS THE HYPOCRITES DO IN THE SYNAGOGUES AND IN THE STREETS, THAT THEY MAY BE PRAISED BY OTHERS. TRULY, I SAY TO YOU, THEY HAVE RECEIVED THEIR REWARD. 3 BUT WHEN YOU GIVE TO THE NEEDY, DO NOT LET YOUR LEFT HAND KNOW WHAT YOUR RIGHT HAND IS DOING, 4 SO THAT YOUR GIVING MAY BE IN SECRET. AND YOUR FATHER WHO SEES IN SECRET WILL REWARD YOU" (Matthew 6:2-4 ESV).
- In this era of social media, when people do things, render help or assistance to others, they would go online, social media, and tell It to the world, in order to receive praise of men or humans.
- They, including believers, would want people to praise them in the comments section, eulogizing them. But that is contrary to what the Bible says (Matthew 6:2-4).
- Those who do such a thing wanted people to know that they are good, and wanted to be praised and flattered.
- Whoever is living thus, that is, doing things for other people in order to be praised or eulogized; such is living a fake or deceptive life. Such a person is a deceiver who loves to impress others.
• The truth is, If you strive to impress humans and receive their accolades, an expression of praise; you surely would not be rewarded by God—you have your reward already: "THEREFORE WHEN YOU DO A CHARITABLE DEED, DO NOT SOUND A TRUMPET BEFORE YOU AS THE HYPOCRITES DO IN THE SYNAGOGUES AND IN THE STREETS, THAT THEY MAY HAVE GLORY FROM MEN. ASSUREDLY, I SAY TO YOU, THEY HAVE THEIR REWARD [already]" (Matthew 6:2 NKJV).
- What trumpet could be louder than going online, social media platforms, with the video of what you did to help others. Whoever did that want to be praised and flattered. Such wanted attentions and recognitions!
- Receiving the praise of men, humans, cannot do you any good, you can only feel good about yourself, and that is the gratification of the flesh—making your flesh grow or receive what it desired, instead of mortifying it or putting it to death (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5).
- If you keep feeding your flesh, you would reap corruption and death (Galatians 6:8).
• Anything done to attract people's attention to the self, instead of giving the glory and honour to God, becomes a curse instead of blessings. It means you are trying to present yourself as a good person, when the Jesus says, No one is good:
16 NOW BEHOLD, ONE CAME AND SAID TO HIM [Jesus], “GOOD TEACHER, WHAT GOOD THING SHALL I DO THAT I MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?” 17 SO HE SAID TO HIM, “WHY DO YOU CALL ME GOOD? NO ONE IS GOOD BUT ONE, THAT IS, GOD. BUT IF YOU WANT TO ENTER INTO LIFE, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS" (Matthew 19:16,17 NKJV).
- The above Bible passage was said to Jesus, but He reproved the person, He knew that the person who said it did not mean it, he probably was trying to flatter Him—because Jesus knows the heart of all men.
- If all the reason behind your good deeds is that you might be praised or eulogized, or called a good person; It means you love flattering and you are full of egos.
- God would not bless anything you do to fan your egos, to receive praise and glory from men or humans. The praise of whatever good you do or did should be given or ascribed to God the Father:
17 AS THE SCRIPTURES SAY, “IF YOU WANT TO BOAST, BOAST ONLY ABOUT THE LORD.” 18 WHEN PEOPLE COMMEND THEMSELVES, IT DOESN'T COUNT FOR MUCH. THE IMPORTANT THING IS FOR THE LORD TO COMMEND THEM" (2 Corinthians 10:17,18 NLT). - God is the One Who blesses you with what you had that made you give to the people, in the first place. Then, why would you want to do as If you got or acquired things given to others through your own ability or power:
"WHO SAYS THAT YOU ARE ANY BETTER THAN OTHER PEOPLE? WHAT DO YOU HAVE THAT WASN'T GIVEN TO YOU? IF YOU WERE GIVEN WHAT YOU HAVE, WHY ARE YOU BRAGGING AS IF IT WEREN'T A GIFT?" (1 Corinthians 4:7 GOD’S WORD Translation).
• You will not fail in Jesus' name.
- Whatever is contrary to your health is rebuked in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
- That disease and sickness are uprooted in your body, and you begin to live in health from now onwards in Jesus' mighty name.
Peace!
TO BE CONTINUED
STEPS TO SALVATION
• Take notice of this:
IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).
a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).
b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).
c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).
- If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!