“I Do Not Praise You”

“I Do Not Praise You”

We should be able to apply this test to everything we say or do, and the way we behave toward other people: is it praiseworthy or not? Here Paul mentions something for which he could not praise the Corinthians; but why did Paul have to say this to them? And why did James have to write as he did in several of his chapters to the church? Because the ones he wrote to were not sufficiently spiritual to hear the Spirit speaking to them. They were carnal; they were babes in Christ.

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God . . . .” Rom. 8:16. The Romans were not in the flesh but in the Spirit. Since this was a fact, they also learned to discern between what was and what was not praiseworthy, so that they were in a position to put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit. Then they could also bring forth the fruits of the Spirit with their bodies—the things that were praiseworthy, whatever was of good report. Phil. 4:8-9. Everything they saw in Paul’s life was praiseworthy. They could safely follow his example. Then the “God of peace” would be with them.

This could not be said of all of them, simply because they did not pay attention to whether the Spirit witnessed with their spirit in what they said or did. Their own inclinations got the better of them. Their thoughts arose from their soul; they did not let the Word judge the thoughts and intents of their hearts. Heb. 4:12. This is also why they are often the cause of unrest. The God of peace is not with them. The sentence over much of their conduct in the various situations they come into is, “I do not praise you.”

It is important for each individual to be so meek and humble in heart that he does not act on the basis of the thoughts and intents that arise in his own heart, but he lets the Word judge it first, before he speaks and acts. We need to receive with meekness the word that has been implanted in us. Then we will grow up to be spiritual, and everything we do can receive this judgment: In this you can be praised. The God of peace is a witness to it.