June 21, 2 Corinthians 4
“It’s all in how you look at it.” Have you heard that expression before? Perspective is our viewpoint or attitude about the people, things and events around us. The difficulties you encounter because of your decision to follow Jesus may be discouraging. Not everyone will share your faith in Christ. When your values clash with the world’s values, you might wonder if you made the right choice. Perspective helps overcome these obstacles.
Paul saw his ministry as a gift he received by God’s mercy. That perspective shaped his attitude toward serving the Lord. When people reject the message, it’s good to remember you’re privileged to know and share it because of God’s mercy. When circumstances discourage us, remember we’re only able to do this because God, in his mercy, chose us for this ministry. This perspective keeps us encouraged in trouble and disappointment. I suspect more
disciples are knocked out of service by smothering discouragement than fierce persecution. We need this viewpoint to stay on task when it would be easier to quit.
Paul saw himself as a servant of Christ and his people. The spiritual father of these Corinthians, the author of thirteen books of the New Testament, the greatest missionary of all time saw himself not as a master, but as a servant. This viewpoint vaccinates us against another deadly threat to faithful discipleship—our own pride. How many have failed to follow and serve because their feelings were hurt? How often have we taken it personally when people rejected our efforts to share the gospel? Pride makes us vulnerable in those situations. Paul saw himself as a jar of clay—formed by the hand of another, fragile and imperfect. But he had treasure inside his jar! The gospel, the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, was inside him. His significance was in that treasure, not in himself. His life was a medium for showing Jesus to others. This perspective kept the focus (and the glory) in the right place. It kept Paul humble. We need that, too.
Paul saw the resurrection and eternity as reality. Afflictions and persecutions were not overwhelming in light of eternity. Death itself was not so threatening to one with steadfast confidence in the resurrection. Paul looked past the shame and suffering he endured all the way to heaven, and saw himself and the people who had been saved by Christ through his ministry rejoicing around the throne of God. He endured so they could join in the thanksgiving, so God would get more glory. With this viewpoint, Paul’s
suffering here seemed slight and momentary.
Are you in the “we” of this perspective? Paul said “we” don’t lose heart because we have received our ministry by mercy. “We” are servants and jars of clay. “We” look beyond the things that are seen and temporary to the unseen and enduring reality. Is Paul’s perspective yours? Remember, it’s all in how you look at it.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—June 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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