I love doing art in the church and I hope it doesn’t sound braggadocious to say this, but a lot of other people love what I do. That makes me very happy but there is something that is a little awkward and I could actually use your help with it. You see, the natural reaction to people loving what I do is to pay me a compliment and to be really honest, I like and appreciate that. Affirmation is always nice, but how should I respond?
I mean I really want to give glory to God for everything I do. Without Him nothing I do would work and He deserves all the credit. At the same time, I want to acknowledge the acknowledgment. I sometimes say, “Praise God” but I don’t want to come off sounding like I am correcting the person or trying to fake some sort of religious piety. Then sometimes I simply say “Thank you” but I wonder does that claim credit and glory for myself? I don’t want to appear in any way aloof because I’m not. I’d love to hang out and chat with these people all night because I appreciate them immensely. At the same time, I usually have an hour of cleaning and packing before me so I have to keep it short. I don’t ever want to appear prideful and I certainly don’t want to throw around some sort of false humility because God allows me to do some great things.
Basically here’s what I want to do, I want to be gracious and let the person know I genuinely appreciate the fact that they stepped out to affirm the work that I did, because I do. I want to encourage each one to use what God has given them, I want to encourage them to enter into a deeper relationship with me through various channels so I can continue to encourage them. Even more I want them to enter into a deeper relationship with Jesus, using their gifts to serve Him. Most of all, I want to make sure they know I credit God for every good thing in my life. That’s a lot of thought around a simple compliment.
Am I overthinking it?
How do you respond when someone compliments your work?
AMOKArts 
Dave, your questions are my questions as well 🙂
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Usually, I say, “I am thankful they enjoyed or like the painting”. Other times I say “I thank God that you like it.” I try to always reflect it back to them that I appreciate their kindness and appreciation. Joyce Meyer says most times she just says “thank you” and in her heart she speaks to God that He knows it is all for Him and all thanks and glory goes to Him. I really believe it is a heart condition. When we know it is all Him our hearts speak that even if we don’t always say the words.
Thanks Victoria this was very helpful. I always try to be mindful of where my heart is at in all of this. I want to stay out of the way and give God glory.
🙂
Forgot to add that esp when writing thanks or at times in person I try to remember to tell them “thank you for their encouragement” too.