“I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
“Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-7a
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Paul was both educated and skilled. His intellectual and spiritual acumen had great impact on audiences throughout the cities of the early church. Yet, to him who had been saved and reoriented by Jesus Christ, he knew and wanted to make known only Him. His desire was to demonstrate, in word and deed, the beauties and power of the gospel. (Acts 22:3; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; Galatians 1:11-16; Philippians 3:4-9)
Every plan we institute, action we exercise, decision we render, word we speak illustrates what we value and believe. Our efforts may showcase a variety of natural gifts and learned knowledge. Our successes might reveal hard work and a drive for excellence. The messages we espouse communicate what we count as true and want to be known. If we are captivated with the love and mercy of Christ, any natural need for recognition or applause in any of these areas is swallowed by supernatural motivation. When our heart thrums with the heartbeat of Christ, we deflect personal attention and point to Him. We know we are not our own, that we and all things were created for His glory. Does this describe me? (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
It starts with when we come. Initial decision dictates direction and dogma. If my daily desire and determination are to get out of the way to make Christ known, then everything that ensues will be done by faith in order to substantiate His power.
What is my passion in ministry, and on whose strength and power am I relying to bring it about? Is there temptation to promote myself, or push forward my agenda? Is there any hint of highlighting my experience, opinion, or expertise? If so, would I repent and trust God to purify motive and method?
How might my natural weaknesses, hesitancies, or inabilities be used to prove the moving and magnificence of God’s Spirit? When will I step back and shine the spotlight of which He’s worthy on Christ? How will I uphold and promote God’s glory?
“Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being
absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit
till all shall see
Christ only, always,
living in me!” ~Adelaide Pollard (1906)
Father, may my every word and effort, every talent and weakness, demonstrate the glories of Your grace and gifts, that You be sought, known, and praised.
As the rain and snow 