Reflecting the Image

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 10:12–18

12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond limits but will keep within the field that God has assigned to us, to reach out even as far as you. 14 For we were not overstepping our limits when we reached you; we were the first to come all the way to you with the good news of Christ. 15 We do not boast beyond limits, that is, in the labors of others, but our hope is that, as your faith increases, our field among you may be greatly enlarged, 16 so that we may proclaim the good news in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in someone else’s field. 17 “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved but those whom the Lord commends. (NRSVUE)

Observation:

Paul had plenty of reasons, humanly speaking, to boast. Earlier in life, before his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road, we catch glimpses of a man driven by achievement and status. But now, after years of following Christ, suffering for the gospel, and serving the church, he has learned that everything must ultimately be for the glory of God.

Evidently, there are others engaged in ministry who are commending themselves. They compare themselves with one another and measure their work against the work of others.

What exactly are they measuring?

Paul doesn’t tell us, but perhaps they are trying to determine what “successful” ministry looks like.

Paul refuses to play that game.

He understands that ministry is first of all obedience to God. That means some assignments may look more successful than others. Some fields are harder. Some places require years of planting before anyone sees a harvest.

Everywhere Paul went, he planted seeds. He might not always live long enough in one place to see what would eventually grow, but he wanted to be faithful in the field God had assigned to him.

And he was careful not to boast about work that belonged to someone else.

The conclusion is simple:

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Why?

Because the harvest ultimately belongs to God.

And then comes the final word:

“For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved but those whom the Lord commends.”

Application:

These words might be easier to hear if Paul were talking about secular leaders.

But he isn’t.

He is talking about people engaged in ministry.

This is not simply about people taking credit for someone else’s work. It is about the danger of God’s people taking credit for what ultimately belongs to God.

And I think that becomes a matter of the heart.

Why do we need to be commended by others?

We can even build this into the systems of the church. We recognize church growth, attendance, baptisms, and other measurable signs of ministry. There is nothing inherently wrong with celebrating what God has done. Testimony and encouragement are good things.

The danger comes when recognition becomes our measure of faithfulness.

I know pastors who dread gatherings where ministry statistics are celebrated because they fear that their work will somehow appear less significant than that of others.

Paul gives us another way to think.

Faithfulness is not always measured by visible results.

Now, Paul is certainly not giving ministry leaders an excuse for laziness or poor stewardship. He worked extraordinarily hard everywhere he went. Sometimes there were remarkable results, and sometimes there were not.

But Paul understood that his responsibility was faithfulness.

The results belonged to God.

The deeper problem comes when we begin taking credit where credit is not ours to take.

We should not take credit for another person’s work.

And we should certainly not take credit for God’s work.

Just yesterday, I was reading accounts of revival meetings in England in the late 1700s. The numbers of conversions were astonishing. Some people certainly talked about what was happening, but again and again there was an awareness that this was far beyond human organization or ability.

The Holy Spirit was at work.

That language has stayed with me.

In reality, we are invited to participate in the movement of God’s Spirit. We are not the source of the power. We do not create the harvest. We do not tell the Holy Spirit where He must move.

We listen.

We obey.

We participate.

And when God does something remarkable, we give Him the glory.

Maybe that is the heart issue Paul is addressing.

Self-commendation becomes spiritually dangerous when it causes us to lose sight of whose work this really is. We begin comparing ourselves with others, measuring our success, defending our accomplishments, and claiming the harvest.

Paul refuses to live that way.

He simply wants to be faithful within the field God has given him.

And perhaps that is enough for us as well.

Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to walk hand in hand and step by step with You. Teach me to be faithful in the field You have entrusted to me and to participate humbly in the work of Your Spirit. May I never claim for myself what belongs to You alone. To You be all the glory. Amen.