Commendation

"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves

with some who commend themselves.

When they measure themselves by themselves

and compare themselves with themselves,

they are not wise.

We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, 

but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us,

a sphere that also includes you. 

We are not going too far in our boasting,

as would be the case if we had not come to you,

for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ.

Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting

of work done by others.

Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow,

our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand,

so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.

For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else's territory.  

But, 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'

For it is not the one who commends

 himself who is approved,

but the one whom the Lord commends."

2 Corinthians 10:12-18

Powerlifting is a sport consisting of three events: Bench press, squat, and deadlift.  Each one provides an opportunity for the athlete to demonstrate his or her strength and power.  When I competed in powerlifting, I learned the proper technique and methods of training.  Being naturally strong, I excelled, making it to the Nationals and setting some records for my division.  

One area I struggled in, though, was in going down low enough on the squats.  The regulations required that my hip joint fall below my knee at the lowest point of the movement.  While I felt like I was practically sitting on the floor when I squatted down with the weight on my shoulders, the judges at the competitions were using specific guidelines to decide whether or not the lift was good, and what they were seeing clearly fell short.  Until I rectified this problem, several of my squat attempts were disqualified for failing to meet the standard.

It's the same with me and my walk with the Lord:  My own perception of myself is not accurate.  Either I'm not as bad as I think, or I'm looking at myself through rose-colored glasses, seeing myself as better than I am.  Whichever category in which I fall, I can't deny the fact that I'm not a good judge of my own character.

In order to walk closely with the Lord, I need to see things more from His perspective.

Comparison

There was a man who was willing to go to great lengths to deliver the messages God sent for the people of Israel.  Most probably looked at him as a righteous, honorable man of God to be esteemed.  At the beginning of his ministry, when Isaiah saw the Lord seated on His throne in all His glory, he, however, was only aware of his own unworthiness.  His response to a Holy God was,  "Woe to me! . .I am ruined! for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." (Isaiah 6:5)

Comparing myself to others, or letting others exalt me, gives me an inaccurate picture of my state.  Evaluating my condition against the Lord Himself, however, shows me my true identity: A Sinner incapable of any good.  Without the blood of Jesus cleansing me of all iniquities, I have no hope. 

My own accomplishments are nothing to brag about, but my identity as a sinner saved by grace through faith in Jesus is something about which I can spend a lifetime boasting.

Obedience

Later, this same mighty prophet of God was asked to do the unthinkable.  As one who took seriously the commands of God, it would have been improper and downright blasphemous for him to be seen in public without proper covering.  God, however, gave Isaiah the direction to do just that.  

For three years, he was required to go about his life without clothing or shoes.  In this way, God was delivering a stark warning to His people: do not trust in the might of Egypt and Cush, for I will soon humiliate them and use Assyria to carry them off, stripped and barefoot, into exile. (Isaiah 20)  

God gives each of us a ministry, a purpose, and a calling.  While my friend may excel in serving others, I have different gifts.  If I were to compare myself to what she is doing out of obedience to God, I would start to feel incompetent and worthless.  When, however, I pay attention to my own relationship with God and where He is leading me, it is then that my life takes on a sense of purpose and meaning.

Like Isaiah, my calling may not make sense to anyone but God.  My obedience to His purpose for my life, however, will result in much blessing.

When walking down the path on which my Shepherd is leading me, it is important that I keep my eyes front and center, trusting God with my whole heart.

Promotion

Anything at all was his for the asking.  God appeared to the young king in a dream with this incredible offer.  Instead of going for the obvious requests of riches and power, Solomon asked for understanding and discernment in leading his people.  Pleased, God gave him what he asked for, but also what he did not request: Wealth and honor so that the reputation of King Solomon would be great among all the world!  (1 Kings 3:5-14)

It is easy for me to get into the habit of tooting my own horn.  I can justify this habit with the thought that no one really knows how difficult my life is, how much I sacrifice, or how hard I labor for the Lord, so I must enlighten them.  The truth is, however, that God is the One who truly sees my efforts and His opinion is the only One that should count to me. (Galatians 1:10)

Let me take a lesson from Solomon and allow God to be the One doing the promoting instead of trying so hard to get for myself what I think I deserve.

My perspective is shallow and self-centered, making me a horrible judge.  Instead of trying to use myself or others as a standard, taking my cue to act from other believers, or working hard to lift my own efforts up for all to see, I can let God be the yardstick, shepherd and promoter.  In this way I am leaving all commendation in His hands as I keep my focus on Him.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can let go of all desires to promote myself or the ministry to which I'm called.

How do I think I'm better than I am, or that I'm not good enough to be used by God?

When do I look for ways to seek praise? 

Walk My Own Walk

"Who are you to judge someone else's servant?

To his own master he stands or falls.

And he will stand,

for the Lord is able to make him stand.

. . .For none of us lives to himself alone

and none of us dies to himself alone.

If we live, we live to the Lord;

and if we die, we die to the Lord.

So, whether we live or die,

we belong to the Lord."

Romans 14:4, 7-8

Blue eyes, blonde hair, ivory skin, tall, skinny, outgoing, musical.

Green eyes, ebony hair, chocolate skin, short, curvy, shy, sensitive.

Brown eyes, red hair, freckled skin, medium height, medium build, knows no stranger, math whiz.

Hazel eyes, auburn hair, tanned skin, average height, model-like body, wallflower, creative.

There are millions of possible combinations of physical attributes, personality traits and gifts, each coming together to create unique and distinctive human life.  As one-of-a-kind as God has made each one of us, He has also prepared a unique path for us to follow.  My path may take me through the valley of the shadow of death many times while others stay mostly on the flat lands.

Since God is a creative God who delights in giving each of His children different callings and passions, tailoring experiences and trials to uniquely prepare me for my path, I can learn to walk my own walk in a way that honors God and shows respect for others.

Don't Judge

She listens to secular, head-banging music, wears tattoos and sports many piercings while her friend sticks with contemporary Christian music and would only consider wearing artwork on her clothing and one set of holes in her ears.  While their appearance is drastically different, their hearts are both inclined toward God.  They work together on an outreach team and love to talk to others about Jesus.

It would be easy to judge the more radical young woman as the less spiritual believer, but the truth is that God has a plan for her rocker appearance.  Many of the lost she encounters every day feels comfortable around her because she looks just like them, but the Light she carries within draws them to Jesus. 

I am often tempted to look at the walk of those around me, thinking I should be more like them or that they should be more like me. When I carry this attitude, I am denying the creativity of God and the diversity of His people and their purposes.  I also become guilty of placing the directives I have received through my own personal time with God and applying that to others.  The way each of us lives our lives in those areas that are not fundamental to our faith can vary without dishonoring God.      

While I might best glorify Him as a mother, someone else might be created to give honor to Him in the workplace.  One could be living the life of a biker, while another is a straight-laced businessman.  Some might be formed with the purpose of witnessing for Him in a club or bar, while another could find that temptation to be too great.

Wherever God is calling me, I would do best if I would keep my eyes focused on my own walk, bearing in love with others whose walk looks unusual.  Different does not always mean wrong and what's good for me might be a great source of temptation for someone else.  I would do best by leaving the responsibility for judging another's walk to God Himself.

As I am walking my own walk, it is important that I keep my eyes on my own path, lest I fall into a pit.

Don't Compare

The porcupine is not a fluke.  As strange as the platypus is, he was made on purpose.  Even though I don't understand the reason for the existence of roaches, God created them to be a part of His masterpiece.

God does not make mistakes and He doesn't fall asleep on the job.  Everything that happens falls under His umbrella of sovereignty.  (Jeremiah 29:11, 1 John 3:20, Psalm 121:3-4)  For this reason, I can trust Him in the way He uniquely created me.

God knew what He was doing, for instance, when He made me to be physically strong.  As a Jr High student, I was one of the only ones who could climb the rope in gym.  Later, I took to the sport of powerlifting.  The purpose for this unusual quality came in handy when I gave birth to triplets.  I was able to tackle the task of transporting all three children with comparative ease due to the unique structure with which God had blessed me.  If I had rejected this attribute and instead chose to ignore my natural strength, letting my muscles atrophy, I would have struggled with the logistical demands of raising multiples.

It reminds me of a story I read of a girl who struggled with her small stature and straight, dark hair. Looking around her in school, everyone else seemed to be taller than her and had curly, light hair.  She felt like a vacuum cleaner in a broom factory.

When she grew up, however, God called her to work with the people of East Asia where her appearance now became an asset.  Trusting that God knows what He is doing is not always evident in the present, but many times becomes clear as life goes on.

When I compare myself to others, thinking their gifts are better than mine or admiring their looks or even their homes, I am giving God the message that I am not content with what He has given to me.  Instead, I can choose to count my blessings, transforming my heart from discontent to thankfulness and praise, fully trusting Him with the plan He has for my life.

It's hard to glorify God when I tend to spend so much time questioning His plans and purposes!

As I am walking my own walk, it is important that I show my trust in God by accepting myself the way He has made me.

Live to My Master

My dog seems to have eyes only for me.  When we go out for a walk, he regularly checks to see if I'm still there at the other end of his leash.  A treat causes his entire body to wag, but he won't accept it until I give him the go-ahead.  In short, he'd rather please me than anything else in life.

I can learn a lesson from my canine companion by only having eyes for Jesus, desiring to please Him and Him alone.  (Hebrews 12:2, 1 Corinthians 10:31)  In this way, I won't get distracted by those whose lives look different from mine or whose calling seems better than mine.  Instead, I'll be completely focused on and dedicated to the task of pleasing God.

When a friend succeeds in her business, then, instead of feeling inferior and wondering if I should go to school and earn a degree so I too can succeed, I'll be able to express my excitement in her accomplishment.

When I live for God, I'll be able to see my own way more clearly instead of constantly second-guessing every decision that I make. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Keeping my eyes on my Lord will give me the opportunity to see His goodness all around, even in the diversity of the gifts, talents and interests found in each and every human masterpiece.  Instead of being intimidated or jealous, I will find a more accepting and gracious spirit toward others.

As I am walking my own walk, it is important that I live to my own Master, doing everything for His glory.

The variety found in mankind is astounding.  Sometimes, though, this diversity in purpose, plan and lifestyle can tempt me to judge other believers based on non-essential matters or compare my own make-up to that of those around me.  When I learn to walk my own walk, however, I put my full trust in God, I am free to live to my own master as all those other distractions melt into the background.  Then I will be liberated to walk my own walk to the glory of God!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes on my own path.

How do I get distracted by what others are doing for Christ?

When am I intimidated by the success of others?