For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 10:18 NIV
In school, one of the primary ways a teacher measured whether a student was truly becoming proficient in a subject was by giving an examination. Naturally, the student, having attended classes, completed assignments, and possibly engaged in rigorous study, often believed they understood the subject well. They assumed they had acquired expertise. They commend themselves without proof.
However, the true measure was not based on what the student thought they knew; rather, it was based on what the teacher required, and how the student answered according to the teacher’s standard. The authority to approve mastery belonged to the teacher, not the student.
In the same way, we sometimes approach God with the mindset that we can approve ourselves spiritually. We think that because we have prayed consistently, or because we have given offerings, read Scripture regularly, attended fellowship faithfully, and shown up in church consistently, we therefore deserve approval from Heaven.
Yet Scripture shows us something sobering: it is not the one who commends himself that is approved; it is the one whom the Lord commends.
Jesus Himself said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” They called Him Lord, but that alone did not guarantee approval. Only those who do the Father’s will gain His commendation.
Therefore, rather than measuring ourselves by our outward activities, we must continually bring ourselves before God and allow Him to examine us. Self-approval is unreliable. Human commendation is limited. Divine approval is the only true approval.
Living It Out
So today, instead of assuming you have already attained spiritual maturity, return to God with humility. Don’t blindly commend yourself. Ask Him to test your works and examine your motives. Follow the example of David, who prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart.”
Do not settle for self-assurance. Submit yourself to the Father. Let Him be the One who evaluates and commends your life.
Ultimately, spiritual confidence must never come from what we think we have done right. Instead, it must come from God’s evaluation of our obedience. Self-commendation may feel satisfying, yet only the Lord’s commendation is meaningful and eternal. Therefore, live daily with a humble posture before God, invite His examination, and seek His approval above all. That is the path of true maturity — and the only approval that genuinely matters.