Observations of Paul’s ministry
Key Verses: 2, 7, 9, 15, 20
Faithful. Only the Lord is able to look at the motives of our heart and know if we are faithful or not. We can even deceive ourselves sometimes. But God calls us to be faithful, to be doing what we are supposed to be doing for the right reasons at the right time. All of us fall short of this goal sometimes. Paul uses himself as the example of faithfulness, and uses the readers as his contrasting group. He uses sarcasm to sharpen his point. They were not being faithful in their conduct, he was.
Paul references the common practice during his day when a general returned from battle bringing prisoners. The prisoners were at the end of the victory parade, like trophies on display. He feels like the Corinthians are enjoying all the spoils of the battle that the apostles fought, and that he is treated like a prisoner, forgotten and condemned to being at the bottom. He did not seek a position of importance, even though he is responsible for carrying the message of Jesus to them. He should have a place of honor in their lives, but he does not demand that place. He instead serves them without fanfare or recognition. He is faithful to God’s call.
This challenge to live what we claim is a hard pill to swallow. We need to be consistent. We need to practice what we preach. Our kids see it when we are inconsistent, saying one thing and doing another. No wonder they don’t respect us as they should. They imitate us. If they are inconsistent in their obedience, maybe we need to become consistent, so they can follow our example. Our faithfulness will lead to theirs.
Words are cheap. Anyone can claim almost anything, but to live it is another story. When we are faithful, then God’s power is able to be present. So if we lack power, perhaps we are not being faithful to God’s call on our lives. Perhaps disobedience is robbing us of His power. Are you being faithful? Are you living what you say you believe? Or are you saying one thing and living another! Consistency is much easier to live than inconsistency.
The Arnold Journey 