Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 3:1-6
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Surely we do not need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you or from you, do we? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all; and you show that you are a letter of Christ, prepared by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Thought for the Day: It is always awkward to defend your personal skills and character. I remember interviewing with churches, including Cypress Creek. As a minister, you are trying to convince people that you are a good minister and at the same time a very humble servant of the Gospel. So which is it? Paul’s opening words suggest that he has been accused of some self-praise in the past, and so he is cautious, but he does suggest that the success in Corinth is a letter of affirmation. Of course, Paul is then quick to push off any ownership of the success – everything is from God. It is an interesting balance. God calls us to be participants in the building of the Kingdom, and it appears that this is God’s chosen approach, yet even the most faithful instruments in this work are not to take credit. I guess an appropriate Christian resume simply says, “Thanks be to God” and leaves the rest to what has been written upon the hearts of those whose lives have been transformed.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for inviting me to participate in your good work. Excuse me when my ego likes a little attention. May faithfulness be enough of a reward. Amen.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
