Our verse for this week shows us how we ought to accomplish missions work so that God is glorified.
“…speak as the oracles of God…”
We must be mindful of the message we are giving when we evangelize others. The gospel of Jesus Christ is no small matter. In fact, we are dealing with a matter of life and death on the spiritual and eternal level. It is the Holy Spirit who will convict, but we must remember that God is using us as an instrument through which to speak the message of salvation to the lost. This is an incredible privilege that should not be taken lightly.
“…minister…as of the ability which God giveth…”
God does not send us to preach to the lost without giving us His strength and presence. When Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28, He ended with these words: “and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Why should we try to labor in our own strength when we have the power of Holy Spirit within us? If we rely on ourselves alone, we will be disappointed, because we are desperately weak compared to Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “And he [the Lord] said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” Paul is regarded as one of the greatest missionaries of all time, and he chose to rely on Christ’s strength. Most missionaries will face infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses to some extent, but the key is to continue in God’s strength—to “minister as of the ability which God giveth.”
“…that God in all things may be glorified…”
Our sin nature often tempts us to seek credit for what we accomplish. This is true in missions work as well. However, that is not the focus a Christian ought to have. The goal of a Christ-centered life is to bring Him glory, and when we are speaking God’s message of salvation, being guided by the Holy Spirit, and ministering in God’s strength, everything that is accomplished is ultimately credited to Him. Accomplishing missions work in this way brings glory to God.
This week, as you seek to do God’s work, be aware of the power in the message that you speak, always minister in God’s strength, and ultimately give God the glory.
In Christ,
Mission
If you would lik to subscribe to the weekly mailing list, simply fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Really, more people should read this blog. You do such a wonderful job!