Paul's way

It is always amazing to get to know an author like Paul through his writing. He had his own principles in doing the work of God, which is really impressive. Indeed, he never did anything to impress others. Let me share what I learned about his ministry from the book of 2 Corinthians.

Firstly, he says he preached God's Word with sincerity and with Christ's authority (2 Corinthians 2:17). He used the word sincere again when he wanted people to know that his ministry was not a very spectacular one, but a sincere one (2 Corinthians 5:12). Like John called people toward repentance, Paul says he called people to come back to God (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Paul understood the importance of living the Christ he preached, so he says he lived in such a way that no one stumbled because of him (2 Corinthians 6:3). He was faithful in preaching the truth (2 Corinthians 6:7). As a minister, he waged spiritual wars. He used the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and in the left hand for defense. Most importantly, his fuel to run for the work of the Lord was not the praise of people. He served God whether people honored or despised him, whether they slandered or praised him. He considered himself someone who blessed others with spiritual riches, yet he says he owned nothing in this world, but he knew he had everything (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Suffering had always been a part of his ministry. He went to prison, was whipped, beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked (2 Corinthians 11:24–25). He worked with his own hands to support his ministry. Paul's standard for ministry is indeed great.

Hey friend, all of us have the calling to work for the Great Commission of God. My pastor used to say that all of us are called to introduce Jesus to our fellow people on earth, for whom Jesus shed His blood. Wouldn't it be good and excellent if we learned from Paul and tried to be excellent in the way we live for Christ?

Dear God,

We come into Your presence seeking strength, grace, and power to work for the calling You have for us. May we preach with sincerity and with authority. May our lives never cause others to stumble, but instead uplift them. May we be faithful in preaching the truth. May we wage war with the weapons of righteousness. May we run the race toward the goal despite the slander or praise we receive from people. Let us be joyful in having treasures in heaven rather than on earth. May we be brave in all the suffering we endure for Christ. May everything build us up for the glory of God.

In Jesus' name I pray Amen.