With a humble and contrite spirit, pray aloud the words of this Lazaroo to God:

“You know we never used flattery…”
(1 Thessalonians 2:5)

I wish I could say the same, Jesus…

but I can’t.

I’m ashamed to admit I’ve flattered people

trying to make them like me
wanting to help them feel better about themselves
in an attempt to get them to accept me
hoping to get my own way.

It never works.

At least, not in the way I had hoped.

Most people can tell when they’re hearing something insincere

something over the top
a compliment with an agenda attached –

even if the end purpose is supposedly good.

I don’t want to do that anymore.

Help me be generous with my compliments –

but only with a desire to build others up
never at the expense of truth.

Besides, every time I flatter someone I’m sowing a seed I will reap.

If I don’t want to be flattered
I’d better stop.

Now.

_________
Job 32:21-22; Psalms 78:35-37; Proverbs 26:27; Daniel 11:32; Romans 16:17-18; Galatians 6:7-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; Jude 1:14-16

What is Lazaroo?

Take Me Deeper

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.