Monday musings
Winston Churchill is credited with this extremely short speech: "Never, never, never, never give up". There can be little doubt as to his point, and it sounds similar to a point made by the faithful apostle Paul:
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4.1-2)
These words have served as my personal mantra during my years of Christian service. As Paul indicated, the ministry we each have received is not through our own choice, but God's mercy. As such, we don't lose heart; we don't quit. We don't sugar-coat, use manipulative tactics, or water down God's word and truth. It is the priority of all of God's servants to present truth clearly so that hearers can determine with their conscience what to do with it.
Paul knew how fickle life could be, in the face of the priority of proclaiming God's eternal truth. Again, his resolute conviction to "Never, never, never, never give up" rings out: "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4.16)
The task remains, although we each are aging and decaying. Pessimism does not overwhelm us, however, because of our daily inner renewal.
There is a timeless saying, "Only one life; 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last". Today affords us a precious opportunity. How will you seize upon the key work entrusted to you? How will you encourage a discouraged soldier of Christ? How will you seek to impress precious truth on a lost friend, coworker, or family member? What deliberate effort will you make to incorporate Christian discipline more fully in your life?
As Paul twice declared in these verses, "we do not lose heart". Press on, brothers and sisters. The work is worthy, and the reward will be great. Our Master is counting on us to be available to Him to carry out His work though us. Be encouraged in what He is doing in and through you, and stay strong and faithful to the task.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4.1-2)
These words have served as my personal mantra during my years of Christian service. As Paul indicated, the ministry we each have received is not through our own choice, but God's mercy. As such, we don't lose heart; we don't quit. We don't sugar-coat, use manipulative tactics, or water down God's word and truth. It is the priority of all of God's servants to present truth clearly so that hearers can determine with their conscience what to do with it.
Paul knew how fickle life could be, in the face of the priority of proclaiming God's eternal truth. Again, his resolute conviction to "Never, never, never, never give up" rings out: "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4.16)
The task remains, although we each are aging and decaying. Pessimism does not overwhelm us, however, because of our daily inner renewal.
There is a timeless saying, "Only one life; 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last". Today affords us a precious opportunity. How will you seize upon the key work entrusted to you? How will you encourage a discouraged soldier of Christ? How will you seek to impress precious truth on a lost friend, coworker, or family member? What deliberate effort will you make to incorporate Christian discipline more fully in your life?
As Paul twice declared in these verses, "we do not lose heart". Press on, brothers and sisters. The work is worthy, and the reward will be great. Our Master is counting on us to be available to Him to carry out His work though us. Be encouraged in what He is doing in and through you, and stay strong and faithful to the task.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
posted by steve @ 8:39 AM
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