Sometimes the description of the Christian life is one of opposites. Sometimes living the reality of the Christian life is a bundle of opposites. I want to say a paradox but I’m not really sure if that fits. Let me show you what I mean:
“We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.” (2 Cor. 6:3-10)
What I underlined during my Encounter Time this morning are verses 7-10.
I’m reminded of some of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. So many times Jesus says, “You have heard it said…but I say to you…” He was challenging their age old beliefs (legalism) with something totally radical. He took the law even further and gave it more scope.
In the 2 Corinthian passage Paul is saying, “We are…but they say…” That seems to be an outgrowth of being a Christ-follower. First, taking it one step further than it appeared. Second, facing accusations which aren’t true or are embellished to make them look bad. The key is for us, when they say that about us, is to live a life of love (v.12a)
“Father, may my life be consistent with what You want. No matter what people say to tear me down may it be found to be a lie.”
Yes, LORD, yes!
🙂
So often the perception of Christianity and those that follow Christ is that of “self-proclaimed” perfection by those who do not believe. I think this is largely due to the bubble that we (I) often put ourselves in. I also think the perception can be accurate at times.
Let us not forget where we came from. Let us not forget the battle that continues to be fought in ourselves.
Let us not forget the baggage we often carry.
–We are not perfect, we are simply forgiven. That is the message that those who don’t believe need to hear.
Totally agree with you Ryan. Sadly, we often give off the “air” of perfection by looking down our noses at others. But you say it right: we are not perfect, we are forgiven.
I love what Ryan said: “We are not perfect, we are simply forgiven.” May that be what others see in us as Christians.
Blessings, Bill!
Very true Martha. May that be what they see.