I think all of us can agree that God is glorious and worthy of praise and thanks.

But as it says several Bible passages, we’re in His image. As it says in Psalm 8, “What is man that You are mindful of him… For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.”

At this time of year, it’s easy to remember the heroes of the past—whether Biblical history or for those in my section of the continent, American history—and see that they were worthy of honor. We can remember the early colonists struggling against the odds, many paying with their lives and say, yes, we need to thank them for what they did and how they worked towards the life we know today.

But God does not limit the thanks and the praise to the heroes of yesterday. He says that anyone who follows Him is worthy of honor.

As a struggling perfectionist, my emotions and thoughts juggle a teeter-totter when it comes to achievement. I want to do my best to help people, to do my job, to serve God, and to live daily life. I work pretty hard to do all those things. I try to give my best.

Every once in a while, that best gets recognized. But when I get the praise, it feels strange—almost like me putting on shoes that are way too big for my feet. The job I did—always with God’s help—might have been pretty good, but I’m still just me. I haven’t changed just because I taught a class, wrote a story, or passed a test. I’m still me.

I used to try and deflect compliments, with ‘oh it’s nothing’ kind of remarks, until one complementor said that was insulting to person giving the praise—and to the Creator who gave me the skills and abilities. “If you don’t let me acknowledge what God is doing through you, and you belittle its impact, and you’re basically saying that God didn’t have any reason for putting you in my path.” Ouch.

Like Jesus’ talent parable, most believers struggle with using what God has given them obediently and then following through on praising God for his gifts. Sometimes we’re too proud about things God did through us, other times we feel like we messed up even when things work out right.

But because all things work together for God’s good when believers work, we need to praise His role in the affairs of men and the people who were His hands and feet.

NEW SHOES

Take off your shoes,

Take them off!

For where you stand

Is my holy ground.

But I would not have your feet

Tired, swollen and unprotected—

I would have them beautiful.

Here, child,

Here are my shoes.

Made by me, prepared by me

To cover your feet

Prepare your feet

And protect them.

They will take you

Around the world,

Across wide seas

And compel you

To fulfill my commission.

Then when you walk in

They will see my gospel shoes

And praise you

For loving and obeying me.

Therefore, this Thanksgiving week, I offer thanks to and for my brothers and sisters in the faith. Thank you for walking in His gospel shoes and obedient to His call. I know we’re not perfect, but you’ve allowed Him to perfect you and work in you for the kingdom. He sees your works, your talents, and praises them, so I do, too.

Thank you!

All these many people who have had faith in God are around us like a cloud. Let us put every thing out of our lives that keeps us from doing what we should. Let us keep running in the race that God has planned for us. (Hebrews 12:1, NLV)