Articles
On Self-Commendation
For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. (2 Corinthians 10:18)
In the context of the above passage Paul is addressing false teachers who are attacking him and undermining the gospel. One of their tactics is self-exaltation, boasting about their abilities and achievements (see 10:7-17). By this they hope to marginalize Paul and steal the hearts of the Corinthians.
Most human beings tend to think their opinions are more valid than others, their practices more sensible, their thinking more rational. It is easy to win our own approval, for we desire to resolve conflicted emotions and keep our conscience quiet.
But this a dangerous perspective. We may substitute our own self-approval for God’s, especially if we confuse our own inner thoughts and feelings with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The greater challenge is to apply ourselves to learning what God’s will actually is, as revealed in the Scriptures, and then practice the sacrifice and discipline necessary to conform to it.
All the Corinthian false teachers wanted was personal glory, just like those Pharisees Jesus criticized in Mt 6:1-18. And of them He said, “They have their reward.” It takes courage and honesty to genuinely seek God’s commendation.
