But they also have the wisdom to know that pointing up to heaven and saying something like, "It's all because of Jesus" or "God did it...not me" or "It is for His glory" though it seems spiritual, can come across as a pious proclamation of your "spirituality."
I've seen this played out so many times over the years. Example: At one church I served at, two men had dug a ditch for a plumbing need at the church.
On Sunday, the Pastor asked them to stand and publicly thanked them for their time and love for the church. Instead of saying "thank you," one of the men responded to the entire congregation in a pious voice and said, "We did it for Jesus." But what he thought would make a spiritual moment had the opposite effect. The answer sounded so cliche and fake. Now I don't know his heart, but that's the way it came across.
Once again, I have watched great Christian leaders. When they are acknowledged or receive a reward, they simply receive it in humility and say thanks. When that happens,they come across as genuine instead of pious. God receives the glory through their humble acceptance.
Bottom line. Don't try to be super spiritual when you are acknowledged for God working through your life to build His kingdom. A simple "thank you" reflects humble acceptance instead of a pious proclamation of your spirituality.
Posted by Dale Hudson
