From the Elder's Pen "Compliments" 3/9/03 Past/Future Articles

Compliments are given for many and varied reasons.  Some are proud and vain repetitions which we are warned against in Psalms 12:3.  Others come from the hearts of love to edify and build up as is told in Rom. 14:19 and I Thes. 5:11.  However, I was at worship service recently where a young man spoke bringing out a thought about the greatest of all compliments.  As many times as I had read and heard this scripture quoted, some of the meaning had eluded me.

The scripture under discussion is Matt. 3:15-17.  Here we see Christ being baptized to “fulfil all righteousness” with the three in the Godhead present.  God the Holy Spirit in the form of a Dove, God the Son being baptized, and God the Father speaking out of heaven.  God the Father said, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”  god here is showing His love and approval in the obedience of His son.  Therefore the compliment that He is well pleased with Him.  How marvelous to hear these words from His Father.

Do we look forward to the time we will be complimented of God?  In the parable of the faithful servant (Matt. 25:23) we hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of our Lord.”  These will be the most joyous words to ever be heard with “mortal” ears.  Just knowing that in this life “Our Name Is In The Book of Life” brings such assurance and hope, and that with all the tears and trials of life “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All.”  Therefore in the day of judgment to hear our Heavenly Father say “WELL DONE”  will be worth far more than anything this world can afford.  Are you making preparations for that day?