S. O. A. P.

Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!

S-cripture:

2 Corinthians 10:18

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

O-bservation:

Right here, St. Paul addresses the issue of self promotion, and evidently writing one’s own personal bio. People in Paul’s day (and make no mistake nothing has changed, it’s probably worse today) were giving themselves “High Fives.” Paul says, “It’s not you commending yourself that’s important … it’s whether or not your commendation (High Fives) is coming from the Lord.”

A-pplication:

You’ve probably heard the commercial that asks, “What’s in your wallet?” Here’s a new question, “Who’s slapping you on the back?” Or … “Where Are Your ‘High Fives’ Coming From?” If Jesus isn’t the One who is commending our efforts, then what’s the point of seeking it from people, or worse yet, from ourselves. I hear this line all the time, “Love yourself.” Then I hear, “You’ve gotta respect yourself.” It’s all true, but over and over we are directed in the New Testament that we are to do whatever we do as unto the Lord. Paul and the original Lead Disciples (save Judas) were all working and serving and believing for the commendation of Jesus. They wanted to be assured that one day they would hear Him say, “Well done My good and faithful servant.” With that New Testament goal in mind, the question remains … “Where Are Your ‘High Fives’ Coming From?”

P-rayer:

Dear Jesus,

This one thought is on me hard this AM … Oh to hear You say to me someday, “Well Done Rich,” Wow! That’s my goal! Amen