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19 May ' 15:42
Part 5 nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority
1 Thessalonians 2:6
We live in a society that places great value on being seen and known. It is easy to allow one’s heart to get caught up with desires to become more important, to receive more opportunities to speak, to travel the world, to be an important and recognized person.
Paul was not driven by a desire to be recognized or important. In fact he makes it clear in this verse that even as an apostle he did not assert his authority.
It is easy to begin serving the Lord with good motives and intentions and then lapse into an attitude that is frustrated because of a lack of recognition or response.
Paul was in his position because of God’s appointment. Because it was God’s work done by God’s power to accomplish God’s purpose, there is no place for the seeking of human commendation.<
We must understand this truth or we could easily fall into the trap of certain expectations from people in response to our leadership. We are Christians by God’s grace through the sacrifice of His beloved son. It is God who continues to work in our lives so that we can serve Him. He provides us with His Spirit, His Word, His power, His grace, etc., etc., etc. There is no reason that we should be seeking glory – praise, accolades, recognition, and respect from men. Our lives must be all about bringing glory to God – the only One who can accomplish the work of the ministry!
For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake.
2 Corinthians 4:5
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Keep faithfully doing the work that God has called you to do. Your responsibility is to build depth into the ministry God has entrusted you with. God will determine the breadth of your ministry.
2010-05-17 Ministry Defined, Part 4, Rocky Wyatt, 2010-05-10
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