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 4 of 5

SEEK GOD'S PRAISE

Do not think it presumptuous to seek praise from God. Think of these words from our blessed Lord. "How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?" (John 5:44). The conditions that exist about us today elicit the same pronouncement. The Lord underscored the earnestness with which God's glory must be sought, and its bearing upon spiritual life. "He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him" (John 7:18). Were this verse taken seriously, it would revolutionize religious activities! Some have viewed only the negative connotations of this verse being considered (John 5:44), seeking only to cease efforts to gain the approval of men. But there is a positive side to this also. The only reason to abandon efforts to please men is to engage in an effort to please God! Jesus denounced men for making "no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God." Are you involved in this effort? If so, you will not be disappointed. Jesus gave no indication that such efforts would not be honored by God. Therefore, there is no valid reason for supposing this to be the case. Paul wrote of those that sought for "honor" -- honor from God! His words must find a resting place in our hearts. "To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life" (Rom. 2:7). Who can take lightly the words, "He will give eternal life?" These are not idle words, they are the promise of God. Those seeking for "glory, honor, and immortality," will realize their objectives. The ONLY way to miss them is to quit seeking them!

SERVANTS PROMISED HONOR

God's servants are His stewards: those handling His goods. They have His interest in their hearts, and do not seek to please themselves. Too often they are not appreciated by their peers. But they will not forever be without honor! Hear the words of the Lord, and take heart. "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me" (John 12:25-26). What a glorious promise! Here is a Divine commitment that must be regularly set before the saints. It is a powerful incentive to faithfulness and Kingdom productivity.

"WELL DONE"

The anticipation of hearing the Lord say, "Well done . . . " is extremely gratifying. This expectation can produce unusual patience, enabling the laborer to endure even the rejection of those closest to him. Jesus taught this in the parable of the talents. Depicting Himself as "a man going on a journey," He spoke of the distribution of responsibilities. Upon returning, the master found two of his servants faithful. To both of them he said, "Well done!" (Matt. 25:21, 23). This was a allegory portraying the nature of the kingdom of heaven. It confirms that "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him . . . " (Heb. 6:10). Have you thought of what the Lord will say to you when you appear before Him? There is no reason for you to have to be upbraided, rebuked, or condemned. He has provided a Savior for you, taken away your sins, and given you everything that "pertains to life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:4). There is no resource required to reach heaven that you do not have in Christ Jesus. All of God's promises are "YES" in Him ( 2 Cor. 1:20, NIV) -- i.e., you can have them for the asking! I implore you, on the basis of the mercies of God, to fervently seek the commendation of God! PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for revealing this aspect of Your nature. I thirst for your approval, and commit myself to its appropriation. Grant me the grace required to realize the blessing.

-- TOMORROW: GOOD AND FAITHFUL -- -- Wednesday, New Series: THE HOPE OF GLORY --