The One the Lord Commends

So the one who boasts must boast in the Lord. For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends. - 2 Corinthians 10:17-18

We often hear of or see soldiers, police officers, or firemen receiving "commendations" or formal recognition for their exemplary service. If we say that a person's actions, attitude, or character are commendable, then it usually means we find them to be worthy of praise and replication. Such rewards are usually good, as long as the one doing the "commending" is himself credible and praiseworthy, but what about commending yourself?

Typically, when a person praises his or her own work or service such commendation is immediately discounted as prideful, self-promotion. In fact, it is distasteful among God's servants who should instead be serving for His glory and praise. Self-approval, in fact any approval other than God's, may be acceptable, but it is not what we should seek.

Others may end up getting more press and/or recognition, but the one the Lord commends is, in the end, all the more blessed.

While it is well enough to leave footprints on the sands of time, it is even more important to make sure they point in a commendable direction. - James Branch Cabell