WHOM THE LORD COMMENDS

"For NOT he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends" (2 Cor 10:18)

The very thought of being commended by God is arresting! It is also something to be fervently and confidently sought. Our text says the "approved" person is NOT the one who "commends himself." In another place, Jesus said, "He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself" (John 7:18, NIV). Such individuals address life as though everything depended upon them, and nothing hinged upon the Almighty. They live as though there were no God, and imagine there is no personal recognition unless it is aggressively promoted by the one desiring it. Whether we are speaking of our birth into this world, or our attainments in the world, "Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves" (Psa 100:3).

To "commend" ourselves is to point to OUR achievements, to glory in the flesh, and present our accomplishments as though they were significant. The Apostle drew back from such an approach, not venturing into such a condemned approach to life. "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Cor 10:12). There is a class of people– religious people–who speak more of themselves than of the Lord. Their notions of both worth and accomplishments are cultured by measuring themselves by human standards and attainments. Such an approach to life is "not wise."

And why is this the case? Because these people are NOT accepted by God. His stamp of approval is NOT upon them. The approval of God is essential to every aspect of salvation. No one will be saved without it.

Whom does the Lord approve? Who will be able to stand before His presence with confidence and joy? It is the person He "commends." It is the one to whom He can say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This is the person who will receive "praise from God" (1 Cor 4:5) – the person He will "honor" (John 12:26).

The thought of being "commended" by God is by no means common in the church world–but it is at the heart of God's Kingdom. The ordinary religious person is often found seeking the approval of men, and doing it with great zeal. Such efforts are vain, for they exclude one from Divine approval. God will never approve those who modify their behavior and live their lives to gain the endorsement of men! Far better to give diligence to be approved by God (2 Tim 2:15)! This is accomplished when we can say, "For me to live IS Christ" (Phil 1:21). God will commend that person!

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, Your Son and my Lord, I receive Your commendation by faith.

-- MONDAY: THE VERSATILITY OF THE SOUL --