In what ways can we prioritize God's approval in our personal achievements? The Core Verse: God’s Commendation Matters Most “ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” – 2 Corinthians 10:18 Shift from Self-Promotion to God-Approval • The culture says, “Broadcast your wins.” Scripture says, “Let another praise you” (Proverbs 27:2). • God weighs character over image: “Man looks at the appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). • True boasting? “Let him who boasts boast in the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:23-24; cf. 2 Corinthians 10:17). Practical Ways to Prioritize God’s Approval • Motive check: ask, “Is this for His glory or my spotlight?” (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Prayerful planning: commit every project to Him (Psalm 37:5). • Scriptural alignment: weigh goals against clear commands (Hebrews 4:12). • Work as worship: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). • Humble posture: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10). • Depend on the Spirit, not mere skill (Zechariah 4:6). Guardrails Against Self-Glory • Social-media bragging that shifts credit from Christ. • Comparison that breeds envy (Galatians 5:26). • Inflated résumés or titles that eclipse servant-heartedness (Matthew 20:26-28). • “Spiritual” name-dropping to appear holier (Acts 5:1-11 warns where that leads). Eternal Metrics of Success • Obedience over outcomes (John 14:23). • Faithfulness in small things (Luke 16:10). • Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace … (Galatians 5:22-23). • Kingdom impact—souls reached, saints built up (1 Corinthians 3:12-14). • Hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Biblical Snapshots of God-Commended Achievement • Abel: offered by faith, “and through his faith he still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4). • Noah: built the ark despite ridicule, “became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith” (Hebrews 11:7). • David: slew Goliath for God’s honor, later called “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22). • Mary of Bethany: poured costly perfume; Jesus said, “She has done a beautiful thing to Me” (Mark 14:6-9). Living 2 Corinthians 10:18 Today • Start and finish each task with gratitude to the Lord. • Keep short accounts—repent quickly when ego sneaks in. • Celebrate others’ successes to starve jealousy. • Redirect praise you receive: “To God be the glory.” • Rest in His verdict; human applause is fleeting, His approval eternal. |
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