Praise That’s Contagious
Our campus was recently blessed to host a film crew for an upcoming feature film that will highlight a story of adoption and the sanctity of life. It was fascinating to watch the crew work with efficiency and teamwork. Our campus looked like a swarm of ants came in and took over. After a week of filming, they were off to the next location and barely even left a trace of their presence.
During the filming, I noticed how the star of the movie, Kirk Cameron, interacted and engaged the crew, the cast, and the extras. A star of his fame would have been expected to hide in his trailer until he was expected to be on set and they walk with escorts to and from to avoid being bombarded. He was completely the opposite. In fact, he even paused to spend a few minutes with me and a photo, a video, and a time of encouragement. His humility was even evident when many in town casually bumped into him at a coffee shop and he would take time to talk.
This humility with someone who would understandably want to be incognito reminds me of an example in Scripture. 1 Samuel 21 tells the story of David feeling threatened when an enemy King recognized him as the warrior and leader his reputation proclaimed. Rather than walking with confidence and humility, David reacted in fear and even pretended to be insane to avoid recognition or possible friction.
Following this encounter, he came to his senses and penned Psalm 34. He reflected on God’s plan and provision so he could write a song of worship with peace as a soul-level position regardless of external pressure.
We can learn from this example. Rather than being threatened by fear, we should process peace and rely on verbalizing truth in praise. Be committed to actually speak words of praise, out loud, each day. The amazing thing is that this type of praise is contagious and an invitation for others to join.
Be proud of who God is and what He has done in you, around you, and for you. We do not need to be ashamed or walk in fear. He is faithful and true and He defines us, not external threats!
