Commendation From God

Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquired. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.

I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us the meaning of the saying, “Nothing beyond what is written,” so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?

Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Quite apart from us you have become kings! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we might be kings with you!

1 Corinthians 4:1-8

Everyone loves to hear a compliment now and then; that is, if it’s genuine. It makes us feel good about ourselves to have the approval or admiration of others – for a few minutes at least. The apostle Paul, though, looked at what others thought of him or even what he thought of himself as a very small thing. Paul acknowledged the only judgment that affected him was the judgment of our Lord. He knew that one day our hearts would be revealed and that each person’s praise would come from God.

Could there be any greater compliment than, “Well done, good and faithful servant” when we meet our heavenly Father?

Work well done for Christ will receive a “well done” from Christ.

Our Daily Bread – September 6, 2008