Paul said, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17). It’s too easy to fall into the bad habit of bragging. We want the approval of others, right? We want people to like us. Even when we say we aren’t in this world to make friends or when we say we do not need anyone to like us, we do need others. We were created as communal beings and we need a community and we desire companionship. We want to be loved and to be valued. It’s okay to want these things because we are created to desire community.
Here’s where we need to be careful. First, we need to be careful in getting our value from others. Remember, God has already declared your worth. He created you and He sent His one and only Son to pay the penalty for your sins so that you can be redeemed and have the opportunity to be in relationship with Him. If you believe in Him, you are His son or daughter. He has already bestowed value upon you. Second, we need to remember that nothing is measured on the world’s scale. Everything is measured on God’s plumb line. Paul points out in today’s verse: “So let’s be clear. To have the Lord’s approval and commendation is of greater value than bragging about oneself”(2 Corinthians 10:18 TPT). Here Paul is making a point to say that God’s scale is more important than anything in the world.
Our commendation of ourself, our bragging about ourselves, as well as others praising us, all is skewed. Why? The world’s judgment of things is not without the tarnish of sin. In the world there is opinions and flattery and lies and false realities. It is different to be looked at with the plumb line of God’s Word. If we use Scripture as our plumb line, if we looked to God instead of self praise or the praise of others, we find the Truth. This is what really holds up. This is what is true and of importance. The opinions and lies of the world change as much as the direction of the wind. The things of the world adapt with culture and agendas and other triggers to change direction. It is very easy to find someone in this world to agree with you and to tell you what you want to hear. But is it the truth? This is where we must buckle down and lay anchor — God’s Word. It doesn’t change. It isn’t swayed. The Lord’s approval and commendation will always be of greater value because it is trusted and true. Today and always, seek His approval.
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating us to be in community. Lord, thank You for sending Jesus so that we could receive forgiveness and redemption. We are so grateful to be in relationship with You. Lord, never let us take for granted this great opportunity to do life with You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Tania Gutekunst 