The Test of Praise

Fort Payne, Alabama Christmas parade, 1964
(I was a 3rd graders somewhere on that float)

"The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, and each is tested by the praise accorded him." (Proverbs 27:21)

In the 1950s and 60s (maybe into the 1970s), Mr. John Blake played Santa for the children of Fort Payne, Alabama. When I was three years old, Santa said, "You sure are a cute little girl," to which I responded matter-of-factly, "I know it." (Boy, did I ever fail the praise test!!)

In the Gospel of John, the beloved Apostle reported that many believed in Jesus including some of the Jewish leaders, but they refused to admit it because they loved the praises of people more than the approval of God.

Lord Jesus, may all praise given to us be pointed to You, and may we never love the accolades of men over the approval of our God and King.