2 Corinthians 2: In the Sight of God

carpecollum@gmail.com — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:11:53 GMT

The last verse of 2 Cor. 2 says, "For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God."

Can you believe some people peddle the word of God for money? Immediately our minds jump to the Oral Roberts and Joel Olsteens of the world, the men and women who wow the crowds and are compensated highly for their "ministries." Every one of the apostles missed the celebrity bandwagon - intentionally, it seems. The word of God is not something to sell. It's not something by which we make fortunes.

The gospel must not be presented in such a way as to appeal to the masses. Jesus never appealed to men's desires of the flesh, but to their hearts. He never promised earthly prosperity, earthly freedom, or earthly ease. All His promises we take by faith looking forward to a spiritual reality. And so the world sees us as either a beacon leading to life or as their mortal enemy (2 Cor. 2:15, 16).

Notice Paul used the phrase, "we speak in Christ in the sight of God." Not only do we speak the truth, but we realize God is right here with us, watching. This is what godliness is all about. We have a real sense that we're always in God's presence. It affects how we act and what we say. These peddlers of the gospel act spiritual. They give flowery prayers. They make people laugh and cry. They invoke the name of God. But they don't treak God's word reverently because they don't speak the truth. They are aware only of themselves. God sees them, but they don't see Him. They are empty suits uttering useless words to tickle the ears of a stiff-necked crowd.

Let us take GREAT CARE to speak "in the sight of God." He is watching us. He is with us. Let's try hard to make Him happy with us! He is who we need to please.

Maranatha ("our Lord has come"),
Nathan

Daily Bible Message

2 Corinthians 2: In the Sight of God