"Thank you" seems so simple, but I used to find it hard to utter that phrase when someone paid me a compliment. I erroneously believed it would please God if I deflected the praise - "Oh it was nothing" or "This old thing? I just pulled it from the back of the closet."
As my relationship with the Heavenly Father deepens, I've realized that accepting praise for a job well done is what I am supposed to do. In saying "thank you," I am acknowledging the great work God is doing in my life. In receiving someone's well wishes, I am embracing the favor that I continually ask God to extend.
The attention is a reminder that I am His earthly ambassador; what unfolds in my life is reflective of His position there.
For people of faith, the key in accepting accolades is to remember that we must, in turn, give the same public praise and honor to God, who is the source of every good and perfect gift.
Many times, it's appropriate to readily and verbally thank God in the moment. In some circumstances, we might simply say "thanks" and then, with the heart of Christ, use whatever influence, gift or opportunity we've been granted to bless others that God sends our way.
Ephesiasns 2:8: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
