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

The Message Translation says: “What you say about yourself means nothing in God’s work. It’s what God says about you that makes the difference.” It can be a slippery path into pride when we receive praises and accolades from men or institutions for what we’ve done especially in the Lord’s name. This can also happen when we compare ourselves with others. When people are “comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement,” Paul says it’s an unwise attitude (2 Corinthians 10:12).

Instead, it is the Lord’s standard and His commendation that we should seek. In His famous parable on the talents, Jesus did remark twice the words of the master of the house: “Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner” (Matthew 25:21, 23). This proves to us that only the Lord knows when a work is done to His satisfaction. So, what does this do in us? It urges us to know what the Lord wants, working with everything we have got and doing our best in it.

Colossians 3:22-24 says: “Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ.” This is a standard we are called to attain, sustain and maintain, in the Lord’s might. Amen.

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