Resume Built By God

“For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” (2Co 10:18 AV)

 

The definition for the Greek word we read as ‘commendeth’ in English is to introduce favorably.  Another definition says “to introduce or present oneself.”  With this information, we can understand just what the Apostle Paul is saying.  The individual who allows God to present him to others in a favorable light is approved of God.  The one who favorably introduces himself is not.   This statement is made at the end of a chapter wherein Paul feels led to defend his calling.  The Corinthian church was a carnal church that often judged things through an outward appearance.  The Corinthian church was challenged because others arrived to question Paul’s authority as an Apostle.  They compared their own ministry and life against themselves and against Paul to gain credibility and authority.  At the very least, to question Paul’s.  Paul verifies his calling to this church, and in so doing, does mention character traits, abilities, and God’s call.  Therefore, the statement is not a general statement of humility.  Which, by the way, would be totally biblical.  Better the LORD brag on you than to take that task in hand.  Rather, Paul is suggesting the proof of God’s hand on our lives and ministry is that which should gain approval and not our own opinion of who and what we are.

Almost all have had to put together a resume.  We start with our teenage years of employment and education.  As we mature, our resume grows.  After a while, we leave off those teenage years and education.  Then we leave off some less than pertinent job experiences like part-time temporary employment.  When and if the time comes to interview for a position, the resume is reviewed.  During the interview process, there are questions regarding one’s experience as it applies to the position being offered.  However, some questions become rather uncomfortable.  In my humble opinion, they are inappropriate.  Questions like, “Why should we consider you over applicants B, C, or D?”  “Where do you see yourself in five, ten, or twenty years with our company?”  The worst of all would be, “What would you say are your strongest character qualities and your weakest character qualities?”  I understand the company is trying to do its due diligence in asking some of these questions, but it puts the applicant in an uncomfortable position.  The applicant is asked to pass judgment on others or take pride in himself.  The proof of qualification is in the resume.

This is what Paul is referring to.  It is not wrong to state facts.  I worked in children’s ministry for x number of years and the LORD grew that ministry from x number of students to y number of students.  I worked in the nursing home and during those years, the LORD saw fit to save so many souls.  The LORD asked me to serve in the choir and sing special music.  The result was several saints were blessed and their lives were changed through that ministry.  The examples could go on and on.  The point is, Paul defended himself against charges of fraud by those who compared themselves against themselves.  Or, putting it in his words, they commended themselves.  What Paul did was use the record of God’s hand on his ministry and gave God the glory as proof of his credibility and authority.  He had a proper and biblical balance of himself.  He abased himself, but also accepted the fact God’s hand was on him, and as a result, wrought in him works worthy of recognition.  Simply put, Paul advises we let the hand of God be our resume rather than our opinion of ourselves or accomplishments credited by others to our name.