Approval Rating!

COMMENDABLE actions are those worthy of praise. When one is COMMENDED by others it means their actions meet their approval. The life is endorsed as being something worthy of taking note. People are even presented with COMMENDATIONS; awards of recognition for outstanding achievement in life. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews lists many named and unnamed men and women COMMENDED for their great faith. (i.e. Hebrews 11:1-2,4,5,39) Each one had a faith that focused on God regardless of what they experienced in life and are therefore worthy examples for us to consider.

People in this world may receive COMMENDATIONS for numerous achievements. They can be applauded for all kinds of accomplishments. They can gain notoriety for many things. Some may handle that attention well while others may allow it to go to their heads and become boastful. People may even become comfortable in COMMENDING themselves. However, on whose criteria are those COMMENDATIONS based? Are they all truly COMMENDABLE?

In Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth, he stated. . .
"(17) 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.' (18) For it is not the one who commends himself WHO IS APPROVED, but THE ONE WHOM THE LORD COMMENDS." ( 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 ESV)

We may be greatly encouraged by the COMMENDATIONS we receive from our peers. We may even feel pretty good about ourselves. However, though it is great to receive such encouragement for the manner in which we live our life, let us not get too comfortable there. The thing with which to be most concerned in what is our approval rating with the Lord?

Like Timothy, let us accept the urging of Paul where he wrote...
"(15) DO YOUR BEST TO PRESENT YOURSELF TO GOD AS ONE APPROVED, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, RIGHTLY HANDLING THE WORD OF TRUTH." ( 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV)

Rightly handling the word of truth not only includes sharing it and not distorting it, but also correctly applying it to our everyday living. May it be the Lord's approval above all else that we seek to receive. In this way we will reveal due appreciation for the righteous standing we have in Christ before God. Thus our only boast will be in Him and what He has graciously provided.

Have a great day BEING THOSE ON WHOM GOD'S FAVOR RESTS!
Carl

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