Daily Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:18

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

This is a sobering verse. For it is essentially saying “It’s not important if we approve of our lives but rather if God approves.” It’s not important if we think we are living righteously, appropriately, or correctly, but rather what God thinks about how we are living. Are we living in a way that would earn God’s approval? When God reviews the words we spoke today, would he approve? Would he be pleased or would he be disappointed? If God replayed the events of our day, would he be thrilled with how we acted? Would he approve of the amount of love, kindness, and generosity that we showed?  This is definitely a tough verse to swallow…one that we might not visit on a daily basis because it requires us to do a “check” in our lives. It kind of brings us down to earth, perhaps deflating a self-appointed image or idea we had about ourselves…it’s a reality check. It’s not important what we think about ourselves or what others think about us…it only matters what God thinks. Bottom line: Would God be pleased? Make no mistake, we are completely incapable of living perfect lives…but it’s clear to God if we are trying…it’s clear to God if we are in his Word daily soaking up the direction, guidance, and wisdom and then applying it to our lives. It’s clear to God if we are working to please him or please man. It’s clear to God if we are posers or genuine followers. May we strive to live a life that God would approve…a life that would bring a smile to the God that has given us everything. To God be the glory!