Issue 6 - Day 1

2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians 6:1, 3-4

1. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

3. Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4. But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

Quite a list Paul gives here of areas in which we must not give offence. It is easy to give a good example when your life is perfect. it is difficult do do so when your life is a mess, yet that is what God requires of us. Christ gave his life that we may live. If we take no notice of what he has done and fail to life our lives accordingly then we are making his sacrifice meaningless.

Paul calls for us to be above reproach, an example to all. He says we are to be those examples in times of emotional, psychological and physical stress, in times of hunger, imprisonment, physical attack and poverty, when criticised or praised. Most of us remember with embarrassment times when we have lashed out at friends or colleagues, and excuse it as the stress talking. However, it is the same events they will remember forever. Worse, it is not just we ourselves who carry that bad name, but God himself. Your friends may like you, but they will be thinking, "I can’t believe in God while I know how terrible Christians are!"

Those moments are the times to step back, and pray before speaking. Nehemiah did this when speaking to the king of Persia, and we must do the same. "Do not take the name of the Lord in vain" is not just about swearing, but covers this situation as well. Are there times when you wish people did not know you are a Christian? Pray for God’s protection, and for his heart toward others.