That One Person

Scripture References: Exodus 19:5; Malachi 3:17; Mark 1:11

Somerset Maugham’s The Social Sense centers on a married couple. Mary Warton had been a concert singer in her day and remained an accomplished musician as a doyen. Her husband, Thomas, had once held promise as a great painter, but never fulfilled it. He loved her greatly and always spoke highly of her. She loved him too, but never failed to make disparaging remarks about his art. Though she felt free to undermine his confidence, she hated the critics who panned his works. In turn, Warton took offense at his wife’s criticism simply because he valued her praise more than the public acclaim of the critics. For, as Maugham brilliantly says, nothing is worse for us than to be undervalued or criticized by the one person whose appreciation we need most of all.

We all cherish the opinion of that someone whose praise is more valuable than gold or fame. Should we please that person, we feel we are a success, regardless what others think. Knowing we fail to draw honor from that one depresses us beyond measure. Spiritually, we seek to please the Lord Jesus. Just a nod of recognition from him excels a bear hug of praise from any other.

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley © 1995 by Word, Incorporated.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.