"For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
2 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)
When we do something good, it is always nice if someone notices and says something positive about it, especially if the person who notices what we have done and compliments us is someone we look up to in some way. While we normally do not do things just to earn someone's praise, we all would have to admit that we like to hear people say something positive about us and the things we do. It is a natural thing to enjoy someone recognizing our efforts, but it can be a trap for us to pursue these types of complements as way to validate what we do and not just recognize the value of doing something simply because it is the right thing to do.
When we have something to do, especially when it is something we are doing for God, we need to do that thing no matter who sees it or notices what we are doing. If God is leading us to do something, if He has directed us through His Word or by the Holy Spirit to do something, then we need to do it no matter who recognizes us for our efforts; we will not always have praise and recognition from others for the things that we do when we follow God's plans. If we look for someone to validate what we are doing before we are willing to do it, then we may never really fulfill God's plan in our life.
Paul talked about people who wanted some kind of letters of commendation to show who he was and to validate what he was doing. However, Paul realized that the greatest validation of his efforts was not going to come from men but from God. In the same way that Paul understood that seeking the compliments and accolades of others was not a wise way to judge the value of what he did, we too must understand that God's plan and the gifts and abilities He has given us do not need to be validated by other people to be significant. We all need to recognize the value of God's plan in our life, no matter who does or does not validate it for us.
2 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)
When we do something good, it is always nice if someone notices and says something positive about it, especially if the person who notices what we have done and compliments us is someone we look up to in some way. While we normally do not do things just to earn someone's praise, we all would have to admit that we like to hear people say something positive about us and the things we do. It is a natural thing to enjoy someone recognizing our efforts, but it can be a trap for us to pursue these types of complements as way to validate what we do and not just recognize the value of doing something simply because it is the right thing to do.
When we have something to do, especially when it is something we are doing for God, we need to do that thing no matter who sees it or notices what we are doing. If God is leading us to do something, if He has directed us through His Word or by the Holy Spirit to do something, then we need to do it no matter who recognizes us for our efforts; we will not always have praise and recognition from others for the things that we do when we follow God's plans. If we look for someone to validate what we are doing before we are willing to do it, then we may never really fulfill God's plan in our life.
Paul talked about people who wanted some kind of letters of commendation to show who he was and to validate what he was doing. However, Paul realized that the greatest validation of his efforts was not going to come from men but from God. In the same way that Paul understood that seeking the compliments and accolades of others was not a wise way to judge the value of what he did, we too must understand that God's plan and the gifts and abilities He has given us do not need to be validated by other people to be significant. We all need to recognize the value of God's plan in our life, no matter who does or does not validate it for us.
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