Comments on: why do I do what I do {Memorizing the SOTM :: Week 18}

By: Tina

Tina — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Dear Lara,

Thank you for this post. It really speaks to me. I know in my heart that deep down somewhere I want to be lifted up. My pride will come in and steal the blessing.

I just want you to know that the things you write about are things I want to hear. Your words point me to God, and always cause me to “examine myself.” The things you write about are the same things I wrestle with.

Thanks,
Tina

By: christie elkins

christie elkins — Sun, 20 May 2012 17:28:00 +0000

Amen and amen. I am in this crux of this struggle myself. May we write only to share the greater goodness of His love and mercy!

By: Penny

Penny — Sun, 20 May 2012 13:17:00 +0000

Yeah, I get this too. I used to write a blog, used to promote it on FB, and I loved the feedback. I see this in my heart when commenting in online forums too. It was mainly for that reason (my seeking after praise) that I stopped blogging and drastically reduced my online presence.
I think, in our hearts, we know when the Spirit is telling us we are getting trapped by man’s praise.
2 tips that helped me: a) take a break to seek God’s will, and b) pause before jumping in – maybe someone else is already answering the need with wisdom and humility much greater than mine.

By: Lara Gibson Williams

Lara Gibson Williams — Sun, 20 May 2012 11:41:00 +0000

In reply to Lauren L.. Yes! Amen, sister-friend. Follow His Spirit's lead and leave the results to Him.

By: Lauren L.

Lauren L. — Sun, 20 May 2012 11:36:00 +0000

As a musician helping lead worship, this is a never-ending battle for me. For a long time, I wanted to draw lines on musical choices that could determine if something was too flashy. Not so plain as to be uninspiring, but not so dazzling as to be distracting. Kind of maddening, really. Then I came to realize that the moments when I play/sing deeply from the heart in genuine worship might be plain or dazzling, and I really just needed to follow the Spirit instead of trying to control others’ worship.

By: Lara Gibson Williams

Lara Gibson Williams — Sun, 20 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

In reply to Craig S.. Thank you, Craig. Yes! "It really does show how much we need grace every single minute of every single day." I honestly think that was His main point. Left to us, we're broken and need a Savior. Thanks for those kind words. Iron does sharpen iron. We need one another. Blessings, brother.

By: Craig S.

Craig S. — Sun, 20 May 2012 11:21:00 +0000

I get it Lara – I get it. We always say we want all the praise to God our Father in heaven – but so many of us – probably nearly all of us – me, definitely – we want our share of the praise now. We know it goes against what our Lord taught – we know it’s not what God wanted – but it’s what we want. It’s what I want. The Sermon on the Mount cuts like a double-edged sword – so beautiful – so convicting – it really does show how much we need grace every single minute of every single day. Thank you for this are – and of course the reason why you blog is also the people like me can read it – iron sharpens iron – thank you for sharpening me today. and God bless and keep you and each and every one of yours, Lara.