and when i was with you and was in need, i did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from macedonia supplied my need. so i refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. [2 corinthians 11:9]
in a time of super apostles, charging fees for feel-good, world-affirming, ear-tickling messages of inspiration, the corinthian church needed a wake up call to the true gospel which started it all. the message that gave them eyes to see the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. and since paul is so jealous for them to return to this love of Christ, he knows he has to look different. to charge a fee would put him on the same level as these false teachers, or even to ask for support to supply his every day needs. he wants to put no stumbling block in the way of the gospel. and neither should we.
idolatrous leaders lead people to idols. godly leaders lead people to God. – marc sikma
the gospel can stand on its own two feet and is compelling enough through the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into dead hearts. Jesus is the greatest treasure! even if we teach a message of “all i have is Christ,” we often live out a different message, leading people astray from the satisfaction found in Christ alone.
what message of God plus might you be living?
God plus money equals satisfaction?
God plus status?
God plus good grades?
God plus a boyfriend/girlfriend?
God plus family?
God plus sports?
God plus a platform?
God plus ministry?
God plus _________________?
today, in the presence of the All Sufficient One, ask for eyes to see his all sufficiency. ask for your idols to come to light, and to be rooted out, so that you can truly say, “all i have is Christ.” ask for your life message not to be a stumbling block to those around you, but a clear picture of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus! confess, repent, and rejoice! his mercies are new every morning!
for i am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the jew first and also to the greek. (romans 1:16)
~arwen eastman