Paul warns against self-commendation. He states that those who are caught up in this practice are those who measure themselves by themselves, and who compare themselves among themselves: “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (II Corinthians 10:12).
Men who commend themselves, having nothing but themselves with which to measure themselves, can only end by boasting immeasurably…They who so measure themselves are foolish. Wisdom tests all things by the will of God. The only wise way is to lose confidence in self, and earnestly seek the standard God has given (David Lipscomb).
True wisdom is to walk humbly by the “rule” standard) of God—His Word. We are all to walk by the same rule” (Philippians 3:16), and not simply to be concerned with being better than others, no worse than others. The Son of God is the One to Whom we are to look for guidance, strength, and salvation.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
We are not to measure ourselves according to people’s standards, not even that of members of the church. Our goal should be to do that which is right in the Lord’s eyes and not men. To compare ourselves with others is a trap and Satan will destroy us in it. Rather, let us resist him and submit to God (James 4:7-8). By so doing, we will be like Jesus and strive to: “do always those things that please him,” our heavenly Father (John 8:29b). We are to obey the Word of Jesus Christ our Example and High Priest (Romans 1:16; John 14:15; I Peter 2:21; Hebrews 3:1; 4:14). This is the only way we can follow Him. The New Testament, the doctrine of Christ, is to be our pattern (II John 9; II Timothy 1:13; Matthew 26:28). Some of the Corinthians were in danger of being “corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (cf. II Corinthians 11:1-3), in that their loyalties to Him were being divided. Let us have the “simplicity” in Christ Jesus by being devoted to Him. Let Jesus be our standard—not men!
Danny Douglas