“For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed. I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters. For they say, ‘His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.’ Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
“But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence. ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:8-18
Paul’s strong and effective ministry invited appreciation as well as criticism. He knew he’d been saved for a purpose, and would continue the work God had assigned regardless of others’ comments and challenges. His goal was to finish the work of making Christ known, and he was willing to labor wherever God led to that end. He had no penchant for competition or notoriety, only that the gospel of the cross that saved him would spread and bear fruit. He sought the Lord’s commendation only in that his message of salvation was his sole token of influence.
The world offers an array of enticements to our flesh desires to be remembered, leave a legacy, or make a difference. A healthy outlook is assured when we are assured of our standing as God’s children bought with Christ’s blood. Gratitude for so great a salvation becomes our motive for widening the borders of our influence in the places God moves or plants us. As faith and love for Jesus increase, and by grace ministry grows, so will the multiplied effect of that ministry. God is magnified as His name is spread and praised.
Have we gratefully accepted where God’s planted us to serve Him and spread His word? Do we chafe at circumstances or fret at comparisons rather than dig in to increase influence where we are, however difficult or unpleasant? What joy, power, and openness to the gospel might be unleashed if we seized our spot and shared only Christ crucified? (1 Chronicles 4:10; John 21:22; Acts 17:25-26)
Lord Jesus, have sway with me in the areas You have assigned, and enlarge my areas of influence as You see fit. May Your cross be lifted high so You are known and glorified.
As the rain and snow 