02/05/2015 - COMMENDED BY THE LORD

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For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.  2 Corinthians 10.18

The goal of every Christian should be to seek excellence in serving the Lord, in order to receive His approval. Those who do not care about this truth will see, in eternity, how evil they were for themselves and for their neighbors. It is when we serve God – a practice that has nothing to do with what people from other religion do – that we learn so much about what is reserved for us in the faith in Jesus, which we can claim as our own right.

What we desire to accomplish in the divine work must come from Him. Nobody can invent anything, for it is the Lord’s prerogative to create and direct His purpose. However, since we have been called to participate in His glory and virtue, it is up to us not to waste what He determined to be ours, just like our participation on His redemption plan for man. Those who faithfully obey His orders, even if it is only a small work, will be rewarded.

Since the Most High is in control of all things, He knows exactly how much we need His goodness, His capacity, and His holiness in order for us to serve Him in a worthy manner. Therefore, never fall in the temptation of thinking that the work that has been given you is greater than the grace that is given you. When the Lord gives you a mission, be certain that the necessary conditions to fulfill it are already at your disposal.

On the other hand, never accept or wish what God has not given you, for whatever we reach through another source is worth nothing. If the ability or the conditions do not come from the Lord, refuse them, for undoubtedly, they come from man or the enemy. Jesus said that everything that comes from the flesh is worth nothing (Jo 6.63). Besides, He said that if people accept anything that comes from the evil one, doors are opened for evil things to happen on their lives, leading them to suffering.

As for the Omnipotent investing in you His own capacity, be attentive to the instructions in order to follow exactly as it is told you, for you will be examined in your works. All work done in God’s sake that is not according to the Manual of Heaven – the Word of God – becomes vain. Whoever adds or removes anything from the revelation will suffer great loss, as the Bible warns (Rv. 22.19). The work of the Lord must be holy from the beginning to end, or it will be not approved.

On the other hand, those who receive the diploma of approval by the Lord, reach a success that is higher than those who fight with their own strength, for they are capable of accomplishing the heavenly orders. In the spiritual world, there is a decree that authorizes those who are enabled by God to accomplish the same as Jesus did. This approval does not come from our effort, but from believing in what the Most High says. The approved will never be deceived.

The Lord’s approval means much to he who receives it, for the Master will never lie or say anything that is not the plain truth. He approves us only by the fact that we believe and fulfill His orders. For the obedient ones, there will be no lack of power and support, for the Lord is pleased with those who obey Him. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Ne 8.10)

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares