2 Corinthians 10 - 11.18.24

Scripture

2 Corinthians 10:17-18

17 But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Observation

In this section of his letter, the Apostle Paul is humbly defending his ministry to the Corinthian church.

Paul did not seek glory for himself. He was trying to prove to the church that what he writes in his letters would translate the same if he was in person with them. I love the statement he gave at the end of this chapter. God is the one who approves us, not men or people.

Application

The good works we do should boast of the Lord’s goodness, not our own. It gives us an “in” to share the Gospel message and even our own testimony, with others.

We do our Good Works not so that we can get a pat on the back or praise from people, but so that God would be glorified through them. 

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” -Colossians 3:23 NLT

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16 NKJV

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” -2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

What kind and/or good deed have you done in the past couple of weeks, that may lead people to want to glorify God? Please share in the comment section so that we can give each other ideas of ways to continue to be on mission for Jesus Christ, in our daily lives. I’ll start. I made time to put together a gift and deliver it to a complete stranger (Starbucks worker) who took care of my daughter when she took the wrong bus. I also gifted one of my piano students some Christmas music that she was really excited about. One of the books also had some Christmas hymns in there, which talk about Jesus. 

There are a lot of acts of kindness that we can do in our daily lives, especially during this holiday season. It can point others to the goodness of God and possibly give us an opportunity to share Christ with them and/or invite them to church.

Prayer

Dear Lord, 

Please open up opportunities for all of us to share Your kindness and goodness with others, especially during this holiday season. May we do it not to get approval, recognition or an award from people, but because we desire Your approval alone. Give us your boldness and courage to get out of our comfort zones and be interrupted in our schedules if needed. May our good works boast about You and lead others to glorify You. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi