Today’s scripture: 2 Cor 10:1-18 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
“For some say, ‘His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” ~2Corinthians 10:10NIV
In this chapter, Paul, the most prolific of writers in the Bible, the planter of the early churches, one of the most important people in the Apostolic Age, is defending his ministry! Is this correct? People were bad mouthing Paul?
The people of Corinth had a few things against Paul. They felt his letters were good but that he lacked stage presence. They claimed he was fickle: “He promises to visit us and then changes his mind without even consulting us.” They said he had a domineering attitude.
Paul could have struck back and said, “You whiny little newbies! How dare you criticize me! Don’t you know who I am? I started this church, and I can shut it down!” Instead, he speaks of a better way; a Christ-focused way of doing ministry and living life: “By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you.” Wow! It takes maturity and self-control to look past the people judging you and instead look at the example of Christ.
Paul then warns the Corinthians about using human standards to address conflict: “We live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
Oh my, where do I fall on this scale? How do I measure up to the standards Paul has set? How can I not resent criticisms of my ministry? By keeping my eyes focused on God. For it is only God’s judgment that truly matters: “It’s what God says about you that makes the difference.”
Prayer for the day: God, when I am tempted to fight back and defend myself against the criticisms that inevitably come up, help me practice the gentleness and meekness that Jesus showed. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.