- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 12,539
Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 2 Corinthians 5:12 NLT
Most men want to be honored at some point, to enjoy the satisfaction and pride that come with being recognized and remembered.
Paul certainly understood the power in this desire. Although he was often criticized for “commending” himself and the other apostles, Paul made it clear that honor comes less from the spectacular results of our labor than from the sincerity of our love. This is the real reason, he wrote, that people should be proud of each other.
Isaiah noticed a desire for human recognition and acclaim in Israel as well. He longed for the day people would discover that unshakable honor belongs to those who give God the credit instead of worshipping “what their own hands have made” (Isaiah 17:8). Like Paul, Isaiah listened every day to those who bragged about the things they’d done.
The psalmist reminded his readers, “The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust” (Psalm 147:6). Lasting honor comes less often to those who brag about the spectacular, and more often to those who sincerely honor God with their efforts.
Prayer: Father, help me to understand the perpetual honor in sincerity.
Most men want to be honored at some point, to enjoy the satisfaction and pride that come with being recognized and remembered.
Paul certainly understood the power in this desire. Although he was often criticized for “commending” himself and the other apostles, Paul made it clear that honor comes less from the spectacular results of our labor than from the sincerity of our love. This is the real reason, he wrote, that people should be proud of each other.
Isaiah noticed a desire for human recognition and acclaim in Israel as well. He longed for the day people would discover that unshakable honor belongs to those who give God the credit instead of worshipping “what their own hands have made” (Isaiah 17:8). Like Paul, Isaiah listened every day to those who bragged about the things they’d done.
The psalmist reminded his readers, “The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust” (Psalm 147:6). Lasting honor comes less often to those who brag about the spectacular, and more often to those who sincerely honor God with their efforts.
Prayer: Father, help me to understand the perpetual honor in sincerity.
