In Corinth, the critics who disparaged Paul and his apostleship were in reality false apostles and deceitful workers, although they did not appear that way (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
But they had plenty of commendation and praise from and for one another. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).
They were not unlike the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. And their desire for praise from one another instead of the praise of God was a roadblock to their believing. “How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44).
These religious leaders, as well as the some in Corinth of whom Paul wrote, had a successful self-commendation club going. You praise me, I praise you, and so we’re good. It is a blinder to the truth.
The answer is to seek God’s approval. “For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends” (2 Corinthians 10:18). The one who is approved is the one whom the Lord commends. And those He commends are those who walk in His ways.
Like Paul told Timothy, we want to be approved of by God: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
We can know what God thinks of us when we examine ourselves against the only accurate rule stick – His truth, the word of God, the Bible. And the Lord has given us brothers and sisters in Christ, some of whom are spouses, parents, children, and relatives, to help point us that direction.
Want to be commended? Seek the Lord’s commendation above all others.
-Larry Jones