October 24, 2024

II Corinthians 10.18 (NIV)

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

The value of a commendation lies in who makes it.*

The Apostle Paul, like any public figure, was the object of criticism. He probably tended to overlook most personal slights but in this passage of his letter to the Corinthians, he is compelled to defend his ministry. He could not overlook challenges to his authority to speak for the Lord.

In this chapter, Paul makes some interesting points, a few of which are:

• he is not ashamed that he is not ashamed of his calling from the Lord (verse 8);
• he does not to classify or compare himself with others (verse 12);
• comparing yourself with yourself is not wise (verse 12).

Paul’s confidence in his authority to speak for the Lord is the result of his walk with the Lord. His boasting was not hollow because he knew the word and he knew the Word. He did not look to other people as the measuring stick for the value of his work; neither did he base his standard of success on his own record of achievement.

 

These principles have a double application for us. We can use them to recognize false prophets; and we can apply them to identifying inconsistencies in our own lives. Be confident in your ability to know who is commended by the Lord by knowing what the Lord finds commendable. Whether in others or in ourselves, actions and words must measure up to the standards found in God’s word, exemplified in Christ, and approved by the Holy Spirit.

From this day forward, resolve to do away with the foolishness of comparing yourself to others. Use Jesus as your measuring stick as you examine your character, your words, and your actions.

His wisdom does not need human acceptance or approval.*