RECEIVING PRAISE FROM GOD

"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God" (1 Cor 4:5, NKJV).

Devotion 1 of 5

IS COMMENDATION NECESSARY

Is it really necessary for the servant of God to be commended? Will a conscientious heart constrain one to ignore the quest for approval? There is a sort of spiritual naivete in the world that constrains people to think so. But this is not a valid or wholesome conclusion. In fact, such a consideration is contradictory to the very nature of life in Christ Jesus. The thought of a servant or steward being disinterested in any commendation is absurd. The idea of endorsement is integral to the very concept of a steward. Accountability will conclude with either approval or rejection, recognition or denial. The person that ignores this reality has only hurt himself! God created our race with a craving for praise and approbation. Even Cain regretted the absence of divine approval (Gen. 4:6). David prayed fervently for God's sanction. "Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit" (Psa. 51:11-12). There can be no question about the rightness of a desire for praise. The only issue is from whom should it is to be sought. These lessons will affirm it is never wrong to seek honor from God, and to do so zealously. In fact, there can be no acceptable service to the Lord without this quest.

WE ARE GOD'S STEWARDS

We are God's stewards, placed in charge of His goods. This is a staggering thought, and is not to be taken lightly. Jesus likened Himself to "a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods" (Matt. 25:14). Spiritual leaders are declared to be "the stewards of God" (Tit. 1:7), a most arresting contmeplation! Paul said he was a steward "of the mysteries of God" (I Cor. 4:1). Believers are said to be "stewards of the manifold grace of God" (I Pet. 4:10). Those in Christ Jesus have been made the custodians of the greatest of all treasures, managers of their Master's goods! The church, which is the body of Christ, is declared to be the "pillar and ground (foundation, NIV) of the truth" (I Tim. 3:15, KJV). It is the custodian of the appointed means of salvation. Candidly, the church does not appear to have taken this charge seriously. Much like Jeremiah's day, truth has "perished." We can claim identity with Isaiah, who proclaimed that "truth is fallen in the streets" (Isa. 59:14). This is largely due to the failure of those professing to know God to fervently and consistently seek His applause. Those who serve the Lord are in a serious position. Jesus has left them with His own goods. He has charged them with the responsibility of protecting and propagating the seed of the kingdom. The "word of reconciliation" has been given to them (II Cor. 5:19). They are the "ambassadors of Christ," and must so regard themselves (II Cor. 5:20). Some might suppose that this status was enjoyed only by the "apostles of the Lamb." But this is not at all the case. The Apostles built the foundation, but they also left it in the hands of others. There is sowing, watering, and reaping to be done -- and it must be performed faithfully.

-- TOMORROW: Some Things Do Not Matter --