“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain… We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
“We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.” 2 Corinthians 6:1,3-12
In the rough and tumble of ministry and life, Paul and his cohorts kept on for the gospel. The good news of salvation in Christ drove them, fueled them, motivated them, sustained them. Whatever they faced or endured shaped their character, sharpened their focus, fed their resolve, and fortified their faith. In everything, as servants of Christ, their affection was wrapped in Him and His, to His kingdom ends. For this all-encompassing passion for Christ they were commended, and by it their hearts were open to the needy world.
Are we so sold out for Jesus? Consider the difficulties of our everyday: pressure from work, strain in laborious relationships, the challenge of unanswered questions, stress over unsolved problems. We are constantly inundated by the prepositions of with and without, by and under, over and through. We have every reason in the flesh to give up, or at least put on hold, any efforts for the kingdom when our own kingdom is under strain or in jeopardy. (2 Corinthians 4:7-11)
We cannot escape, but we can endure facing a new conundrum or affliction with certainty and hope. We can, persisting in the Spirit, commendably behave and honor the God who triumphs through us. Rather than freeze, retreat, cower, fear, or despair, will can press on. (2 Corinthians 2:14; 6:16)
What tests currently pepper my duties and plans, and how am I responding? How diligently am I seeking His good will when facing a new conundrum or affliction? Will I proceed with zeal and confidence, and persevere in His power and grace?
How can I align my affections with the Lord’s? When have I bowed and relented under pressure? Where am I neglecting proper action, failing to uphold His charge? We will one day see God and give account, and must adjust our will and ways if we are to be commended. How can we work together with Him so that specific attitudes and actions would please the Lord this day? (2 Corinthians 5:10; 7:1)
“So shall no part of day or night
from sacredness be free,
but all my life, in ev’ry step,
be fellowship with thee.” ~Horatius Bonar (1866)
Father, keep me hopeful, faithful, and joy-filled through every circumstance, to Your glory.
As the rain and snow 