Seeking Approval

Seeking Approval

2 Corinthians 10: ¹⁵ So we do not boast about the work that others have done beyond the limits God set for us. Instead, we hope that your faith may grow and that we may be able to do a much greater work among you, always within the limits that God has set. ¹⁶ Then we can preach the Good News in other countries beyond you and shall not have to boast about work already done in someone else's field.

 

¹⁷ But as the scripture says, “Whoever wants to boast must boast about what the Lord has done.” ¹⁸ For it is when the Lord thinks well of us that we are really approved, and not when we think well of ourselves.

 

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“This is really messed up” I thought to myself. I turned in my work and explained that I really did not understand the assignment very well. To my surprise I did better on the assignment than I thought. It turned out that other people did not understand the assignment either.

 

• I did not like to be evaluated.
• I did not like being told to correct my work.
• I did not like seeking approval on things I could not understand or control.

 

Paul concludes explaining his personal appeal to the people to follow JESUS. He tells everyone to “boast about what the LORD has done” to avoid pointing at their own accomplishments. He explains that the LORD’s approval is the only true approval.

 

My Observations

• Some of the things I think I do for the LORD I really do for the approval of humans.
• Some of the things I think I do for humans were really done for the LORD.
• Only GOD knows what I have done in sincerity for HIM and HE will reward me based on HIS measure.

 

Is donating a huge sum of money greater than giving a thirsty person a cup of water? I don’t know. BUT GOD says “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of MY followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Motive and sincerity will always be questioned by another human. BUT GOD is the only one who has the rewards.

 

HE sees when I fight my sin and surrender “my” way to do something HE wants me to do to grow HIS kingdom. Boasting about what JESUS did for me seems to be the only way of gaining the approval GOD, I gladly give up pointing to me so others’ “faith may grow” in the LORD.

 

Challenge

• What approval do you think the writer was seeking in order to keep preaching the Good News in other countries?
• Have you ever felt like you were seeking approval from humans who have already wrongfully judged you?
• Will you grow your faith in GOD and know HE has already approved you to boast about JESUS today?

Boasting Limits

Boasting Limits

2 Corinthians 10: ¹² Of course we would not dare classify ourselves or compare ourselves with those who rate themselves so highly. How stupid they are! They make up their own standards to measure themselves by, and they judge themselves by their own standards! ¹³ As for us, however, our boasting will not go beyond certain limits; it will stay within the limits of the work which God has set for us, and this includes our work among you. ¹⁴ And since you are within those limits, we were not going beyond them when we came to you, bringing the Good News about Christ.

 

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After getting the title, I felt pretty good. “I” had accomplished something “great” and other people told me they admired “my” achievements. I was given a large responsibility within the company, awards and a new office. “I” made it!

 

• The more I had the poorer in humility I became.
• The bigger the title the prouder I became within myself without knowing it.
• The higher I climbed the more I relied on my title for self-esteem.

 

Paul implies a warning about comparing oneself to another, especially those who rate themselves highly. He also points to a healthier means of boasting, namely to speak about how great GOD has loved us by giving us JESUS.

 

My Observations

• I should look at myself less and point more to GOD.
• I must thank GOD for the places HE brought me and the things HE has provided.
• I have to choose to limit myself instead of always testing the boundaries of GOD’s love.

 

In the days of pushing the limits, it seems strange to limit myself to anything old and stodgy. I mean, wasn’t the Bible written in times that were less complicated? Yes, but amazingly it applies even more today than when it was written.

 

GOD’s word, namely the Bible, provides a tiny dose of what HE chose to reveal to humans. It is inerrant in every way. Each day it can be read and applied for decision making, correction and growth. The comparison to JESUS knocks out any pride I may have, so I surrender my life to HIM. I am glad HE gave me limits to live my life abundantly.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the seemingly harsh words of the writer regarding ”self” standards?
• How do you feel about limits?
• Will you choose to walk within GOD’s limits, staying away from the boundaries so you can live an abundant life speaking about JESUS whenever HE sends you to people HE desires?

Checking the Limit

Luke 4: ⁹ Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. ¹⁰ For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you,’

¹¹ and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

¹² And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”

¹³ Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

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“I can make it” I said to myself as I raced to catch a plane. I did not factor in spontaneous excessive traffic and I missed the plane. “I can make it” I said again as the low fuel light glowed for miles. I ran out of gas. “I can make it” I said yet again as I sprinted for the train. When I tripped up the stairs my case opened up and papers flew everywhere. I missed the train.

• There were times when I cut it too close.
• There were times when I did not get what I was chasing after because I missed the cut off.
• There were times when I pushed the limit and wound up in worse shape.

JESUS was tempted to commit suicide by the devil. “Push the limit and have the angels save you IF YOU are GOD’s SON” slyly stated the devil. BUT JESUS knew HIS tricks.

• JESUS says to me “Follow all of MY ways and you will be safe.”
• JESUS says to me “True freedom comes from the truth and I AM the truth.”
• JESUS says to me “You shall not tempt the LORD your GOD.”

Staying away from the boundaries has always been the problem with humanity, especially me. Adam and Eve could not stay away from the tree of knowledge, and I have fallen into known sins. BUT JESUS did not get fooled. HE kept every word of GOD in order to redeem me. HE guides me away from the boundaries of sin to the middle of HIS love.

• Are you busy pushing GOD’s boundaries, trying to see what you can get away with?
• Do you think that just because you can do something that goes against what GOD says, you will get away with it?
• Will you stop pushing the limits of GOD and accept HIS love, grace and mercy for you today?