Proverbs 27:21 “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.”
Praise for good work is a delightful thing but I must never let it go to my head. It is God who brought me here, who sustains me every day, and who gives me natural ability along with opportunities to develop it into something of value. The glory is not mine, but God’s. If I fail to recognize that and start to swell with pride and self-absorption, then I am not ready for more testing by way of praise and accomplishment. Better to be dismissed, criticized, and ignored if it helps me regain the perspective that God is the source of everything good.
Father, please keep your steady hand on me through the ups and downs of work and of the creative process. I don’t want to fail the test of praise. Let me do nothing harms my reputation and grieves your Holy Spirit. Be glorified in me today.