To Commend Yourself

“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Cor. 10:12.

When they spoke in the power of the Spirit, there was a grace over them. And per­haps God blessed them with many great revivals. In cases like that, people can become so puffed up that they begin to com­mend themselves because of the grace that has been over them at the pulpit. But I only come to a continuing grace when I overcome sin in the circumstances of life.

Especially during times of revival, some people become overly impressed with themselves. It’s as if they think that there is a clean slate and everything is starting all over again. They want to be bosses and leaders, and they become puffed up because of their carnal mind. “Now concerning things of­fered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowl­edge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” 1 Cor. 8:1-2.

Knowledge puffs up, but no one can build the church with­out love. Almost every difficulty in a church arises because someone is not content that God has placed the members as He wills. 1 Cor. 12:7-11. Then they are easily deceived into thinking that spiritual gifts are the important things. The intention is that we come to wisdom, because it is wisdom that will rule in eternity. Wisdom is hidden in the commandments, and I come to wisdom through the obedience of faith. Some­one can have the Word of wisdom as a spiritual gift without having personally gained wisdom. If love is lacking, the Word of wisdom can have a bad effect. There are “wise men” who are able to help others but who cannot help themselves. I don’t come to wisdom until I apply what I know to my daily life.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 it describes how to have love as an indwelling power. Then my life is planted in the soil of love, and no circumstance or person can bring me out of it. There should be a cry in our hearts to grow in this life—a life free from getting offended, a life that can endure evil, a life that is not occupied with blaming others! If a person becomes of­fended, for example, he cannot be a servant of the Lord. It is impossible to help someone with whom you are offended!

It is not wise to give solid food to those who are not able to bear it. Everyone must be given the chance to grow up. It is easiest for Satan to get in through those who are weak, and if we cater to them or allow the church to be governed by the “complaints of the weak,” Satan easily gains power. Our call­ing is to be servants of the Spirit, so we are completely free to work according to the prompting of the moment. It takes faith to act when action is necessary, and it takes faith to wait when that is needed.

We need wisdom in our relationships with other people. The sheep need to know that they are on our heart. Sheep who have tasted something good are very easy to gather, but the others usually become sick and difficult. Sheep should experience that the shepherd understands their circum­stances, knows what they are going through and bears them on his heart.