2 Corinthians 6:3-10 People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly....
in hard times, tough times, bad times;
when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating;
with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love;
when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right;
when we're praised and when we are blamed; slandered and honored; true to our work, through distrusted;
ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die;
immersed in tears, yet always fill with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all. (The Message)
In this passage, Paul is concerned that he live an exemplary life as he doesn't want the ministry discredited (NIV)
I sometimes struggle keeping my toes pointed in God's direction and not giving in to the world when I feel overwhelmed by anything or everything. What would that say about my faith if I gave in or didn't turn to God or to my Godly friends for help? It would show that I'm no different than an unbeliever.
We have to understand that whatever we (Christians) are going through, people are watching to see how we handle things and if we are act like who we proclaim to be.
I read somewhere that we may be the only Bible some people will ever read.
What a responsibility that is for us..
Nancy
