Th Bible avers that Jesus Christ, was a man approved of God (Acts 2:22) and since we are counseled to be imitators of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:1), we ought to be approved of God as well. We learn from the Scripture that the one who is commended by God is the one approved of God (2 Corinthians 10:18).
In my article, “Approved of God :: Faith“, I wrote that to be commended is to be entrusted for care or preservation or be considered worthy of confidence or notice. Both these have to do with faith. For in believing (faith) in Jesus, we are entrusted into the hands of God the Father, from where no one can snatch us away and we are kept safe from evil, and in believing (faith) in Jesus is one imputed Jesus’ own righteousness on him/herself, making him/herself worthy of confidence or notice.
But to be commended also means to be mentioned with approbation or praise. This has to do with serving (action). While faith in Jesus Christ approves us with God, we learn from the book of James that faith without action is dead. To receive the highest accolade (praise) one can recieve which is “Well done, my good and faithful servant”, one must be a servant as was Christ, humble and obedient.
Points to ponder:
Are you approved (commended) of God not just for your faith, but also your action. Remember, faith without action is dead (and needs to be resurrected by the power of Christ Jesus).
Acts 2:22
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
2 Corinthians :10:17-18 (KJV)
17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth
James 2:26 (KJV)
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
