Jun 15 – Commendation!

“For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.” (2 Corinthians 10:18)

Praise can take many forms. There is self-praise, where people glorify themselves. There is also flattering, where others are praised deceitfully for personal gain. But above all, there is the noble praise that comes from the Lord. Yes, the one who is commended by the Lord is the one truly approved.

One day, the Apostle Paul looked at the church in Corinth. On one hand, it was a church rich in every spiritual gift and excelling in many things. It was a church where the gifts of the Spirit were actively functioning. Yet on the other hand, there were people there who boasted about themselves and glorified themselves. Lord Jesus said: “Woe to you when all men speak well of you.” (Luke 6:26)

Some people perform charitable deeds only to receive praise from others. They give large donations to churches wanting their names to be publicly recognized. When they donate tables, chairs, or lights to churches, they engrave their names on them. Such people have already received their reward in this world, and therefore lose their reward in heaven.

The Lord knows the motives of the heart. He does not approve of any charity done for self-glory. Therefore, whatever you do, do not do it for the praise of people, but wholeheartedly for the Lord. Then your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly.

“He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen.” (Deuteronomy 10:21)

That same Lord gives you this promise today: “And that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honour.” (Deuteronomy 26:19)

When the Lord Himself honours and praises us, no human being can truly bring us down. No one will be able to destroy our name or permanently slander us.

The Lord said to Abraham: “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)

Look at the exemplary life of Lord Jesus Christ. He did not seek praise from people. He waited to be honoured by His Father alone. Referring to the Pharisees and Sadducees of His day, He said: “I do not receive honour from men.” (John 5:41).

And again: “How can you believe, who receive honour from one another, and do not seek the honour that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44)

Children of God, let your praise come from the Lord. Pleasing Him should be the sole objective of your life.

Verse for further meditation: “Whose praise is not from men but from God.” (Romans 2:29)