HOW TO COMMEND YOURSELF
Just a few chapters ago, Paul talked about how the church is his letter of introduction. Like a degree showing his qualifications, the people he had brought to maturity in Christ were his letter. Now we come to a similar moment, which is more like the job interview itself. It is time to “commend yourself.” Why would you be well suited for this job?
I am not so familiar with using this little phrase: I commend myself. To commend yourself is to present yourself for approval or acceptance. It is like “recommending” yourself, but there is not another person doing it for you, so you commend yourself.
So, how do I commend myself? Do I bestow on myself honors and accomplishments of the past, highlighting the best moments? Do I pad my resume, so to speak, to seek out jobs I long for that might be above my head? How do I introduce myself as experienced in what is most important? And how do I keep from distracting you from some boasting on my part that seems competitive and like showing off?
How would you describe yourself as being commendable?
Here’s how Paul did it: “We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.” Lest his own talents and accomplishments overshadow, or people think he is boasting, he keeps his commendations to only spiritual accomplishments and physical hardship.
“Rather, as servants of God” = we are not “professional” Christ followers. We rush to the bottom of the pyramid to serve, not to be honored.
“we commend ourselves in every way:” Okay, now it’s coming. Paul has a lot to boast of, and he’s going to start with his credentials as a Pharisee.
“in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;” Wait! I thought he was COMMENDING himself!? But I see here on his resume nothing about being biggest, baddest and best.
““in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;” Okay, I think you have made your point, Paul. You have suffered. Some of it voluntarily, and some was handed to you. But it all goes on your resume, right? What else do you commend yourself with?
“in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;” I am impressed that Paul would point out that in many ways he focused on purity when he could have been tempted to use his influence wrongly, both sexually and financially. So he commends himself with saying that no one can claim him as impure. Also the other areas that the Holy Spirit has worked in his life. This is his resume.
“in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;” Truthful speech. I would not be so confident to commend myself in this, but far less so to claim the power of God and righteousness.
“through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;” I guess Paul is saying that it doesn’t matter what others say about him. He knows what he is doing is for God and that he is genuine. But the results of his ministry among the enemies of Christ do not elicit praise from everyone.
“known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed;” Now I’m really seeing the contrast of the response of the crowds compared to his motives and his actions.
“sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” And just to top it off, these very strong opposites are paired.
This is how a first century apostle commended himself. Go thou and do likewise. Amen.
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