My Compliments

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)

Every now and again, I would get some time alone with my dad doing stuff just us guys liked. I remember one such day when I was about 12 years old. We went and watched a funny movie (the name escapes me at the moment) and then went to Burger King to eat some non-nutritional food-like products. Of course, I had a soda, and those tickly bubbles began to grow in my stomach as I chugged it. Without warning, the bubbles flew up my throat and out my mouth for the biggest, loudest, longest burp I had ever performed. It was a moment of pride for me. In fact, I noticed that everyone sitting around us in the restaurant were all now silent and staring my direction. One man sitting nearby summed it all up when he said, “Well, at least you know he’s alive!” Everyone started laughing. Of course, I was later reminded about manners – he was still my dad after all. I informed him that, in many cultures, burping loudly after a meal was a compliment to the chef. He reminded me that we don’t live anywhere near those places.

Giving compliments for a job well done take many different forms, depending on where one lives. A nice “thank you” is generally accepted universally. Other cultures have the guests smash the plates to the ground to show their appreciation. Still others demand a completely clean plate, demonstrating that every piece of food was consumed. In short, giving glory to someone for their assistance, for their expertise, is a common thing in our world.

When we say the term, “Praise God” in response to something good, we give Him glory. Of course, it needs to be heartfelt, not forced. Do we actually believe that something good was deserving of praise to God? The Apostle Paul believed so, and took it a step further, when he wrote, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” In other words, it’s not enough to just say “Praise God,” we need to live a life which gives glory to God. Our life should scream “Praise God” through both our words and actions in every circumstance.

So, today, and every day, live a life which proclaims the glory of God. Live a life which praises His name, His kingdom. Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind that God is good and worthy of our praise.

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