5/15/10 2 Corinthians 9-10
I did not comment on either chapter 8 or 9 because they companion chapters and our reading schedule had divided them.
Only One Opinion Matters
(2 Co 10:18)18For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.
Here in chapter 10 Paul is defending his ministry against some that claim to be superior to Paul (2 Cor 10:10). Paul instructs the church that these criticizers are only considering the surface issues, but there is a spiritual unseen element to all the issues (2 Cor 10:4). It is evident that these attacks that are being made against Paul are filled with pride and envy. Their boasting is in themselves and their abilities. Paul stresses that his boasting in not based on his abilities or accomplishment, but rather in the Lord.
Some things that we can learn from this chapters is that we are not to evaluate ourselves based on our abilities or accomplishments, but rather what the Lord has gifted each of us with and the proper use of that gift for His honor and glory. We do not need to pat ourselves on the back if we do something that we have been enabled and gifted to do. At the same time we better be careful if we are quick to criticize others for the work in which they are performing. We are not their judge or master. The God of heaven and earth is the only one that correctly discerns those who are serving God for themselves and those who are serving God for others.
When you find others unjustly criticizing you then trust yourself and your work to the only opinion that matters, the LORD’s. There is no need to make alliances and seek to defend your name. You may think well is not Paul defending his name? He is, the reason that he is doing this is because his critics are tearing down what he was sent to build (2 Cor 10:8). There may be a time when it is appropriate to defend your name or work, but we must ever beware of the tendency we have to attack and compare ourselves with our critics on a surface and fleshly issues simultaneously tearing them down and building ourselves up. Thus we have fallen to their level and sinful behavior.
Consider what your critic says, honestly take it before the Lord and then move forward with humility.
Prayer: Father I praise you that you are the only one that matters. I must confess that it is difficult to receive criticism from individuals where they may have understood wrongly the purposes and intentions of my heart. Protect me from retaliating toward anyone who may criticize me. I again commit myself to your care. As honestly as I know I ask you search my ways and my heart and purify any pride, jealousy, envy, or boasting that detracts from your name or your work, in Jesus name I ask. Amen.