Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. - Colossians 3:23-24

Dear Jesus,

When I look at your life in the four Gospels, I see that you served your heavenly Father no matter what recognition or criticism you received from others.  I on the other hand seem to lose or gain motivation based on the praise or critique of people.  I want what you have.  I want the power to live free to love and serve and make a difference without concern over what anyone thinks or says.  Because I believe what your servant Paul says in the verse above, I commit myself to working form the heart in every arena of my life and I look forward to that day when you will say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."  Until then, please give me your grace to enable me to ignore the addictive power of both praise and criticism.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Praise and encouragement from people are wonderful blessings that last a few minutes longer than the delightful taste of cotton candy.  But grace and praise from God last for an eternal lifetime.