Self-commendation is praising one-self rather than waiting for others to do so. It comes from the feeling of insecurity in one’s position or the need for external validation of one’s expression or action. Self-commendation is to assume as believer that one’s service in the body of Christ is more important than the others. For example, to brag about one’s knowledge of the word of God in the manner that discourages the listener. Some believers brag about their worldly achievements in terms of their riches, popularity and influence in comparison with others. They repeatedly brag of a particular miracle performed by God through their hand for the purpose of external validation. The word of God says, “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth” (Prov.27:2a)

The self-commendation behaviour appears to have become a norm among the members of the body of Christ so much that some assembly leaders openly self-commend themselves while they criticize others. They established their own standard by which they judge others. They assume they have greater connection with God through special spiritual understanding. They tend to be competitive with one another concerning conformity. According to Apostle Paul, such critics are in their self-righteous mindset boast in their popularity, and not in heart that is reconciled to God. (2 Cor.5:12) He concluded that those that commend themselves are unwise because they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves among themselves. (2 Cor. 10:12). A wise believer will focus on how he will humbly serve others instead of self-righteous religiosity and worldly mentality.

The power of the gospel is not in the medium through which the message of the gospel is preached, it is in the power of the gospel which is the life changing ability of God. The power of the gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. (Rom.1:16) The proof of the power of the gospel is not in one’s accomplishment but in the transformation of one’s life through faith in Jesus Christ. (2 Cor.5:17) Those who boast in their performance trusted in themselves and their own abilities. True believer’s trust is in Christ who strengthens him. (Phil.4:13) One is not to glory in his own ability in whatever role he found himself performing in the Body of Christ, but to glory on the basis that the Lord is the source of power behind every achievement.

Those who commend themselves on the basis of their service in the body of Christ or elsewhere are simply measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves. But they have to understand that they cannot establish their own standard of performance before God. The nature that must characterise every believer is the nature of Christ which is characterised by humility and interpersonal relationship that is based on loving God and loving one’s neighbours. When believers are humble and loving toward one another, they set one another free from personal opinions, set themselves as individual free from self-commendation and their focus is on Christ Jesus.

Shalom

Evangelism

It is by God’s grace through faith in Jesus that man is saved. Tell someone today that the grace of God is still very much available.

Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre