For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
2 Corinthians 10:18
LET IT GLOW
Who doesn't like praise and compliments? I certainly do. When was the last time I was complimented on a meal or dish which I really worked hard to make? I don't remember, actually. I do remember the last time I was complimented on an outfit I was wearing. How about a job well done? Can't recall. What about you?
Any thanks lately? It puts an "umph" into our step, a smile on our face, and a warm feeling inside, doesn't it?
Of course, everyone has an opinion and often expresses it, whether in the form of a praise or criticism. That's why "they're a dime a dozen," as the cliche goes.
However, Paul tells us whose commendation is the most important-the Lord's.
In Experiencing God Day-By-Day, Blackaby says:Whose opinion matters most to you? It is common for all of us to seek approval for our actions.
We value opinions of our friends, colleagues, employers. The esteem of others can claim such importance that it becomes our way to measure our worth as a person.
The affirmation "Well done!" that Jesus received from the Father became Paul's goal as well. After his conversioon, Paul understood that God's evaluation of his actions was what mattered, not his own opinion of himself.
The commendation that matters most is the one that comes from God.
LET IT GROW
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (Verses 3-5)
John Gill tells us that we are to use our spiritual weapons in this war-Scripture of truth, sword of the Spirit, Word of God, the whole armor of God (Eph. 6).
David Guzik says," The spiritual weapons Paul used were the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the spirit. The weapons were mighty in God for pulling down strongholds! When we fight with truth, righteousness, evangelism, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer, no principality or power can stand against us."
Matthew Henry states, "Ignorance, prejudices, beloved lusts are Satan's strong holds in the souls of some; vain imaginations, carnal reasonings, and high thoughts, or proud conceits, in others. These strong holds are pulled down by the gospel as the means, throught the grace and power of God."
Shepherd's Notes states: A stronghold is a fortress. The military had a practice of building strongholds. "Paul described the fortification of the soul by reasonable arguments to render it impregnable under attack of adverse fortune," says Colin Kruse.
Okay, I know that I'm in a spiritual battle, so I need those weapons that are spiritual. What are some practical ways to overcome these strongholds? I found the answer in the following book.
"When Godly People Do Ungodly Things" by Beth Moore:
The very nature of a stronghold is that something is exalted in our minds contrary to the knowledge of God.
Breaking free from these mentally obsessive strongholds always requires bringing those previously exalted imaginations into the captivity of Christ's authority. We have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Our weaknesses and areas of ignorance are huge vulnerabilities to seduction, which can quickly lead to sins committed inadvertently. We know that Satan's seduction is purposeful, scheming, and utterly intended for evil. It is well planned and timed; nothing about it is accidental or conincidental.
A concise profile of a seduce-proofed Christian:
1. He is happy in his faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:16, "Rejoice always!" (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
2. She abstains from evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Stay away from every form of evil" (HCSB).
3. He is unceasing in prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing."
4. She is thankful and gives thanks.
1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in everything" (HCSB).
5. He doesn't quench the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:19, "Don't stifle the Spirit" (HCSB).
6. She does not despise instruction, exhortation, or warning.
1 Thessalonians 5:20,"Don't despise prophecies" (HCSB).
7. He tests and proves all things until he recognizes what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21, "Test all things. Hold on to what is good" (HCSB).
8. She allows God Himself to sanctify her through and through.
1 Thessalonians 5:23, "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through."
9. His whole spirit, soul, and body are kept blameless.
1 Thessalonians 5:23, "May your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless" (HCSB).
10. She knows that the One who called her is faithful and He will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24, "He who call you is faithful, who also will do it" (HCSB).
11. He knows he needs prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:25, "Brothers, pray for us also" (HCSB).
Examine your own life. Can you see where the enemy is laying groundwork to defeat you? Maybe it is a relationship, a business deal, an addiction, or something that consumes you.
The mind is the biggest battlefield we have on which our spiritual battles are fought. The serpent could get to us with wholehearted, sincere, and pure devotion to Christ by seducing and corrupting our minds.
(2 Cor. 11:2-3) Let God sanctify us through and through-all the way to the inner court of our minds.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
It looks like I need to rememorize 1 Thess.5:16-25 and Eph. 6:10-18.
(Sorry this was so long, but I felt it was needful.)
LET IT GO
Strive to please the Lord.
Keep my spirit, soul, and body blameless.
Stay pure in my thoughts.
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