Commendation!

As Paul traveled preaching the Gospel of Jesus, he spent a year and six months in Corinth. ( Acts 18:11) In his second letter to these Christians who should have known him well (having been there and already written an earlier letter), Paul asked the following questions.

We read…
“Are we beginning to COMMEND OURSELVES again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you?” ( 2 Corinthians 3:1 ESV)

Paul had just mentioned those who were “peddlers” of God’s Word rather then men of sincerity. ( 2 Corinthians 2:17) Apparently there were some who were seeking personal gain in teaching others. That gain may have been simply to get money, to gain a large following (building up their own ego), or both. The letters of recommendation they carried may have been boasted as coming from important people, perhaps even claiming they had been sent by the Apostles in Jerusalem (note Acts 15:24), or may have been completely fraudulent.

We place ourselves in a dangerous situation when we begin to measure ourselves merely by what others say about us. Having a good reputation is a good thing (i.e. Acts 24:16), however Jesus cautioned His disciples with regard to people speaking well of them, because that’s how false prophets had been spoken of in the past. ( Luke 6:26) It is what GOD KNOWS about our life that needs to matter to us! The way GOD KNEW Paul’s life was the way he hoped the Corinthians would know him. ( 2 Corinthians 5:11)

Today, on the internet, one can pay money and get a certificate alleging the degree has been earned from some educational institution without having taken a class. Anyone can find choice people to write them a letter of recommendation, but bottom line we need to consider what GOD THINKS about our life. It’s not flashy press releases or gathered statistics (which can many times be manipulated to say just about anything), but it begins and ends with GOD’S VIEW of what is going on down deep within. What does GOD SEE compelling us to serve? Is it for self-glory or to genuinely meet needs and glorify Him? What is it that compels us to live obedient lives? Is it only out of a sense of duty or is it because we genuinely desire to please God who loves us so dearly and wants the utmost best for us? It is God’s commendation we need to seek above all because He has no ulterior motive than to bring benefit to us and through us.

We may not always see the results of our service. Pie charts and graphs may not be able to represent the impact of what we are doing in service to God’s glory. However, GOD SEES IT ALL and will not forget the works ( Hebrews 6:10) we are doing from a sincere heart. Therefore, let us not minimize the possible impact our day to day actions can have on those around us. Ultimately righteousness will reveal itself as we live to please the One Who gave us life and offers the hope of it for eternity.

Have a great day SEEKING TO PLEASE GOD IN ALL THINGS!
Carl

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