Tag: Recognition

Recognition

Psalm 111

Of all the accolades men covet in the earth, none compare to the simple desire to be recognized. From a child climbing on monkey bars, to celebrities and athletes who entertain the masses, everyone longs to be recognized. Recognition is simply acknowledging someone’s presence, or validating the fact that they are known. It’s easy to recognize someone you see often, or have frequent communication with, but those you aren’t familiar with or rarely encounter, aren’t often acknowledged.

In society today, men and women who are wealthy, or make major contributions that impact cities, states, and even countries, are widely recognized around the globe for their charitable efforts. People are usually captivated and treat such persons as “gods” in the earth, because of their great influence, but there is a God who has done much more than a man could ever do, yet His recognition is hardly acknowledged by mankind.

The God of heaven and earth, has done wonderful and incredible works in the earth, the likes of which no man can imitate. God created oceans and seas, mountains, and trees, but men refuse to give Him glory for His works. The Lord even supplies the needs of men, women, and children around the world, yet some choose to give honor to the works of their own hands, rather than the One who sustains them. God is amazing, and deserves all honor, glory, and praise! The author of our text was well aware of the goodness of the Lord, and made mention of the importance of acknowledging Him with continual praise. Although no man has ever seen the Lord, we can all clearly see His handiwork throughout nature. Romans 1:20 verifies the previous statement as it reads, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: “

Men ought to acknowledge God in all their ways, and give reverence to His holy name, because He created everything, and keeps all things in their place. God gives us strength, provision, and protection as we go throughout our days, and we owe it to Him, to render all the recognition He’s worthy of.

Plea for understanding and recognition

Luke 15:25-32

Whenever a man or woman leaves the sanctity of God’s protection, they instantly become targeted to become slaves to the world’s system. The Bible helps us understand that in God, we have everything we could ever need, want, or desire, but leaving that place of solidity and security to seek something better, is futile and senseless. We see daily how men have grown tired of walking in holiness, and are conforming to every wind of doctrine that blows by. We even allow our children to get caught up entertaining the latest trends in styles and fashion, while ignoring our commission to love not the world, neither the things in the world. The world sells wishes and dreams, in order to get a person caught up in a never-ending cycle of debt, stress, and depression. Only in God, is there an expected end of peace, prosperity, and goodness throughout all eternity that only comes through faith and obedience to God’s holy Word.

Our text presents the very familiar parable of the “Prodigal Son”. This was the story where the younger of two brothers of a wealthy father violated the order of tradition and requested that his father give him the portion of his goods, so that he could go into the world and live it up! While living it up, the young man lived so riotous, until he had spent all he had, and was forced to become a slave to a native of whatever country he ran off to. This is only natural when wealth is spent on sinful living. It runs out just as quickly as it’s earned. What makes matters worse is, a really bad famine hit the land, and food was scarce, but no one offered to help the lad. It had become so bad for him, that he almost fed himself the husks that the pigs ate. At this moment, the light bulb in the man’s head illuminated bright, as he remembered how blessed he was in his father’s house.

We know the rest of the story where the boy returns home, dad sees him in the distance, runs and gave him a big bear hug, clothes him, and throws a party, but I want to focus your attention on the other brother. The elder brother returned home from the field and noticed the party going on, so he inquired of one of the servants as to what was taking place. Upon hearing the news of his little brother coming back home, the elder brother became enraged and couldn’t understand why his dad would have a party for his brother, when he had been faithful his whole life. This is the same attitude the Pharisees, and many of us today share when we murmur, are jealous of sinners coming to Christ, fail to show love to those who seek after righteousness, and find fault in everyone except ourselves. This brother wanted recognition for doing well, when all the recognition he desired was in the fact that his father was already well-pleased with him. Situations reveal our true nature, because had the little brother never left his house, the heart of the elder brother would have not been exposed.

The more you grow and develop in faith and godliness, never seek more recognition than what God allows. Our goal is to win souls to the kingdom, and not turn them away. We are to show love even to those who had once been in God, but may have turned away for whatever reason. Our continual and unconditional love is what they need to return to, instead of our self-righteous and stinky attitudes. Give praise to God every time a sinner repents. As I mentioned in the previous lesson, a saved soul is the only thing that causes a celebration in Heaven, so join in and glory in the new life of your prodigal brother or sister.

Walk in love,

Ell