Success without Slipping: Dealing with Human Praise and Glory Moments
Key Scriptures
“Let the one who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” — 1 Corinthians 10:12
“Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all people.” — John 2:24
“What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.” — Luke 16:15
“We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” — Luke 17:10
Introduction: The Most Dangerous Moment in Leadership
In leadership, failure is painful—but success is dangerous.
- When we’re failing, we cry out.
- When we’re succeeding, we let down our guard.
When people praise us, quote us, follow us, or place us on platforms, we must remember: human praise is not always divine approval.
Jesus didn’t lose Himself in the noise of applause. After the miracle of the loaves, they tried to make Him king—but He withdrew.
True leaders must learn how to handle:
- Compliments without craving them
- Recognition without addiction
- Achievements without losing focus
Foundations for Handling Success Well
- Affirmation Is Not Identity: What people say about you may feel good, but it must never define you.Jesus didn’t entrust Himself to man because He knew what was in man.
- Celebration Is Biblical: God paused and celebrated after each day of creation—“It was good.” We too must stop and recognize what God has done through us, not just move on like joyless martyrs.
- Self-Glorification Is Subtle: Success can gradually make us believe we are the source, breed entitlement and pride; dull our hunger for God. “Uzziah was marvelously helped until he became strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction.” — 2 Chronicles 26:15–16.
Practical Habits to Stay Grounded in Success
- Private Praise Before Public Praise: Thank God in secret before receiving honor in public
- Stay Accountable to Honest Voices: Keep people around you who aren’t impressed by your anointing
- Deflect Praise to the Source: Say, “To God be the glory,” and mean it
- Practice Sober Reflection: Journal your motives, weaknesses, and dependencies
- Celebrate With Gratitude, Not Pride: Recognise the fruit, then return the glory
Signs You May Be Drunk on Praise
- You feel uneasy when others are celebrated more than you.
- You begin filtering God’s voice through your followers’ applause.
- You feel God owes you rest or reward for how much you’ve served.
- You speak more about your past achievements than your present obedience.
Jesus and the Disciples: Servants After Success
Jesus told His disciples that “When you have done all you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” — Luke 17:10
Jesus taught us to enjoy the work but never idolise the outcome.
Paul echoes this spirit when he says:
“We don’t run aimlessly… but discipline our bodies so that after preaching, we ourselves are not disqualified.” — 1 Corinthians 9:26–27
Balance: Joyful Celebration Without Entitlement
Celebrate like heaven does. Heaven rejoices over one soul, over one step, over one servant returning.
But then… return to the field, to the closet, to the altar.
Reflection Questions
- What compliments or results have I started to crave more than God’s presence?
- Do I secretly equate fruitfulness with approval?
- How do I celebrate without becoming careless?
Growth Challenge: “Crown and Cross Reflection”
- Draw or imagine a crown and a cross.
- Write your greatest recent achievement inside the crown.
- Then write the phrase across the cross: “Still a servant. Still in need of grace.”
- Pray and surrender the crown to God again.
Conclusion
- Success is not your destination—it’s your testing ground.
- If applause becomes your fuel, burnout becomes your future.
- Jesus didn’t entrust Himself to praise. Neither should we.
- Celebrate the fruit. Stay rooted in grace.
- God’s servants don’t feast on praise—they feed on purpose.
Discussion Prompt
- In what ways can we guard against self-glorification while still celebrating God’s work in our lives?
- Think of a time when you achieved something significant. How did you celebrate it without letting it define you?
Could you share your thoughts with us?
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