Erica was a student in my husband's classes at Hyles-Anderson College. We got to know each other when I returned to college to finish my degree. We were both English and history majors, so we had several classes together and became very good friends. Erica's husband is Bismaille--they are missionaries to Haiti. Erica and Bro. Biz are doing a fantastic ministry for the Lord in that country. Erica gave me permission to reprint this article.
Deferring Praise
by Erica Lerisse
The other day, an American said to Sissy, "Oh, your hair is soooo pretty," Sissy said nothing. The American said, "Oh, your dress is so pretty," she said nothing. I was biting my tongue off trying not to correct her in front of the man...but I said nothing.
This morning at the breakfast table Daddy taught us on deferring praise. He told the story of Daniel praying that God would show him The King's dream, and then God answered his prayer. When he told the King the dream and interpretation, The king praised Daniel for his wisdom. Daniel deferred the praise and gave glory to God.
The light clicked in Sissy's little brain. If her hair is pretty, it is because her mother combed it, if she is pretty, it is because God made her that way. If she is smart, it is because her parents have taught her. She and BJ learned this morning that everything good that is in them, was put there by another. Daddy stressed how that when they were born, they were born with nothing good at all in them.....so for them to bask in the complements that people give them is prideful, deceptive and wicked.
We all thought of other stories in the Bible that illustrated this truth: Joseph telling Pharaoh the interpretation of his dream, Herod accepting the praise of the people that his voice was the voice of a god, etc.
"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us; but unto thy name give glory,"Psalm 115:1
This morning at the breakfast table Daddy taught us on deferring praise. He told the story of Daniel praying that God would show him The King's dream, and then God answered his prayer. When he told the King the dream and interpretation, The king praised Daniel for his wisdom. Daniel deferred the praise and gave glory to God.
The light clicked in Sissy's little brain. If her hair is pretty, it is because her mother combed it, if she is pretty, it is because God made her that way. If she is smart, it is because her parents have taught her. She and BJ learned this morning that everything good that is in them, was put there by another. Daddy stressed how that when they were born, they were born with nothing good at all in them.....so for them to bask in the complements that people give them is prideful, deceptive and wicked.
We all thought of other stories in the Bible that illustrated this truth: Joseph telling Pharaoh the interpretation of his dream, Herod accepting the praise of the people that his voice was the voice of a god, etc.
"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us; but unto thy name give glory,"Psalm 115:1
It's good to hear a story of how the mom's "quietness" paid off and the Dad stepped up. We've been rearing a child for a little over 4 years and am wondering if my quietness will ever pay off. My quietness tends to lead my husband in the direction of nothingness because he thinks if I don't think anything's wrong then everything's ok and he doesn't have to do anything ever. This is a little off subject I know - however I get very frustrated at my role as I've been taught to execute it because it doesn't result the way it should - the husband leading.
ReplyDeleteWow. That is an awesome truth. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeletethis deffinitly encouraged me, i can relate to heather, but i dont do so good in keeping my mouth shut!thank you once again!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI came by to visit you because I saw that you had visited my son and Daughter-in-Laws blog and said you would pray for them. That was such a blessing! Their blog is Lockhart Life in Brazil. As a mom to a missionary, knowing that others all over the world are praying for my children is both humbling and appreciative. God is so good. Thanks so much.
Joyful Grandma-I'm just so impressed and inspired by those who give up everything that most people think is important in order to help others find Jesus. When I read your granddaughter's story about her health, I just wanted her to know that people care and appreciate what she is doing. Thank you for stopping by my blog!-Laurie
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