Devotional
Outward and Inward
We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.
2 Corinthians 5:12
2 Corinthians 5:12
We humans tend to be most moved by what we see, even if what we see is not the reality.
The apostle Paul had many opponents and most of these opponents gathered followers through their spectacular ministry. They were great speakers, insightful teachers, flatterers, and well connected. Yet their hearts were far from God.
From a human standpoint it is not overly difficult to produce a spectacular ministry. If you can gather a lot of people by running an exciting program, convince them to give lots of money, then shower the programs with all the bells and whistles, people will be attracted to it. Crowds draw crowds.
But is there a genuine spiritual growth happening?
Is there faith filled prayer?
Is there love and compassion?
Is there a heart for the gospel?
It is not the size of the program that makes it better, it is the heart of the people. This is what God looks for. Our point of celebration ought to be changed lives, genuine faith, a rich unity, and clear gospel teaching. This is always something to celebrate regardless of size.
Brett
The apostle Paul had many opponents and most of these opponents gathered followers through their spectacular ministry. They were great speakers, insightful teachers, flatterers, and well connected. Yet their hearts were far from God.
From a human standpoint it is not overly difficult to produce a spectacular ministry. If you can gather a lot of people by running an exciting program, convince them to give lots of money, then shower the programs with all the bells and whistles, people will be attracted to it. Crowds draw crowds.
But is there a genuine spiritual growth happening?
Is there faith filled prayer?
Is there love and compassion?
Is there a heart for the gospel?
It is not the size of the program that makes it better, it is the heart of the people. This is what God looks for. Our point of celebration ought to be changed lives, genuine faith, a rich unity, and clear gospel teaching. This is always something to celebrate regardless of size.
Brett
Posted in Devotional