2 Corinthians 4 – Brandon Hatmaker “Good Idea”
Thursday, July 10th, 2008
“Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God” 2 Corinthians 4:1-2
Whether you’re getting in trouble with your friends as a child or starting a company with what seems to be a revolutionary new concept, when the fruit comes (whether good or bad) the question is always asked, “Who’s idea was this anyway?”
The reason for this question is to find out who gets the reward or who gets the blame. To find the root of the problem or to give credit where credit is due. So who’s idea was it?
Paul reminded the Corinthian Church that this ministry was God’s idea, and in his mercy, they actually got to be a part of it. His encouragement then, was to not lose heart, and remind others to do the same. Instead he gave us the greatest instruction we can have: Trust the truth. Both before man and before God as we handle His Word.
I’m thankful to be in the company of friends in ministry who, by their own acknowledgement, would not have chosen themselves for it. I’m thankful for the Grace of God. I’m thankful for His calling. And I’m thankful that it was His idea.
Posts
Poor yet Generous
-
Not long ago I was in line at a downtown Wendy's when a homeless guy cut in
front of me. He literally acted as if he didn't see me. He stepped up to
the co...
Couldn't have said it better myself...great post.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's become a bit cliche out there in church circles, but I have always loved the "jars of clay" metaphor. The Message translates those verses like this:
"We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us."
It really isn't about us...and we have to constantly remind ourselves of this fact. God doesn't need us to be flashy, sexy or rocking the three-piece suit on a stage for him on Sunday morning. He doesn't need anyone to "sell" him to the world...he just needs people that are willing to open themselves up to be used by him.
More of you, Jesus...less of me.
"For we do not preach ourselves but, Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as servants for Jesus' sake." 2 Cor 5
ReplyDeleteI keep coming back to a center theme with Paul, pride is the root of all evil. I think when we forget that it is all about God and start thinking it is about us, even good things start to turn evil. If you take away everything on the outside of evey sin and look at the root it is pride. Adam and Eve bit the fruit because they thought they knew more than God. It was pride that drove them to it. We have to remember that it is not about us at any given time. As much as our minds want it to be all about me, it is all about Jesus. In good times as well as bad times. Jesus HAS TO be the center part of our lives.