We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. (2 Corinthians 4:8 – 10)
Following Christ is not like the way advertisers try to hawk their products, telling us that their “new and improved” whatever will make your hair shinier, make your teeth brighter, or driving “our brand” of automobile will make you look more sophisticated. These advertisers try to sell you the “goods” without pointing out the bad.
Jesus made no bones about it. He said, “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38). “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32 – 33).
The words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8 – 10 is what one author calls “the fine print of the Christian life.” Too many Christians lose grip of their faith when trials come. They came to Christ to get into heaven. But Jesus signs us up to be His disciples, not just “life insurance” holders. Paul tells us that it is through our weaknesses, our difficulties that Christ is magnified. That’s what we are to be all about – making much of Christ. People will see Him most when we are least.
In the words of author John Fischer, “This is not just endurance training through tough times. This is God’s strategy for ministry through us. There is no other way for it to be done. His strategy is His power and strength through our weakness – His life through our death. This doesn’t just happen to some Christians; it happens to us all if we desire to be effective in our faith.
Let’s commit ourselves to live our lives to the glory and honor of Christ. Let’s be willing to be wholehearted disciples of the one who gave His life, so that we could honor His life, with ours.
Pastor Leslie
