The natural man has a fondness for peer approval. We all do want it in some form or another. The world has set a system of commendation from the intellectual to the mundane; the Nobel Prize to the Oscars. People want their accomplishments validated and applauded. Nothing wrong with a good, honest and reasonable dose of praise. But sometimes, it gets too far when all manner of scheming and desperate measures become a part of seeking such commendation.
The result is often a ‘people’ influenced projects, causes and works. Sincerity is no longer a measure of one’s work but winning at all cost becomes the focus. Yet inspite of all these various forms of validation, the scriptures teach us about the true worth of any man’s work. Unlike the world’s applause that is not concerned with motive (and often can’t tell) it is not so with God.
BUT PONDER on what God says” There is going to come at Christ’s Judgement Day to see what kind of material each builder has used. Everyone’s work will be put through fire so that all can see whether or not it keeps its values and what was really accomplished. Then every workman who has built on the foundation with the right materials and whose works still stands will get his pay” 1 Corinthians 3.13-14. Living Bible.
In other words, everyone’s work will be judged to see if it passes the test of motive. Furthermore, the Bible teaches us not to be so quick to enthrone self approval except God has indeed done that.” When someone boasts about himself and how well he has done, it doesn’t count for much but when the Lord commends him, that’s different” 2 Corinthians 10.18. Living Bible.
So how can we know if indeed we are approved of God? Well, the easiest way is to ask yourself if you are doing what He asked you in the way he instructed. Are you living by the code of the world in order to seek their praise? Would all that you are doing pass the God test even though you passed the ‘people test’. God said this of Abraham “FOR I KNOW HIM that he will command his children and his household after him and they shall keep the way f the LORD, to do justice and judgement” Genesis 18.19KJV (emphasis mine)
Can God give this commendation of you? Regardless of what you are engaged in today (good not bad), if God does not approve, it amounts to nothing. Heaven is not moved first by works but by the pureness of heart (motive) and then the correct form of works will follow from an obedient heart. Take stock of your life with the help of the Holy Spirit so that you will not while on this earth have a life that was not satisfactory to God. For in the end, that is really what counts.
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