The apostle Paul, comparing himself of the ministers, he had a problem with them using it as privilege, title. He is speaking and making them realize what it means to be ministers of Christ. It is faith demonstrated through the righteous suffering for the Christ, whether it is in works, trials, or tribulation. We should always remember that we are also disciple of Jesus Christ and do not fall in to this category where we are only looking for recognition and privilege of doing God's work.
Today, remember, you are called to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. If you received Jesus Christ as your personal savior, you are a disciple and a follower of Jesus Christ. As you do God's work, do not boast about yourself, but always give glory to God. Paul, recognizing the wrong intention of the ministers, reminding that what it takes to be a true minister of God.
Keep yourself in check, always serve with a humble heart.
Does this makes sense to you? My infirmity, apostle Paul boasts, why? Because, his boasting comes from suffering that he received for the sake of following Jesus Christ. He is letting the church know that through sacrificing, ultimately you gain the true joy that comes from God.
Today, remember, do not take suffering as curse from God, because, it is a blessing from God. Because, without sacrifice or suffering, you will never experience the joy that comes from God. Suffering is temporal, not eternal. But, focus on what is eternal joy which is following Jesus Christ and doing his work.
I remembered watching the christian movie about a boy who went to heaven and back. He became instantly famous and he was going around sharing with the media. He was the center of attention. Paul just shared the story of someone who experienced a heavenly vision that happened fourteen years. But, he deferred his heavenly encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He is being very cautious of putting himself high above God or others, whether it is a vision or works that he has done. Today, remember, watch yourself from giving yourself too much credit for the work that you have done or supernatural experiences, or knowledge of God's word. Learn from Paul, in any works or encounter, he is doing his best to give all the glory to God rather than individual or to himself. Whenever or whatever you are doing in your life, you are to always check yourself to put God above all things.
Paul, he is in pain and suffering, like Jesus on the cross, he is pleading to God. He is continually praying for strength and also asking God to take away his pain. But, he is continually doing God's work with fervent heart.
Today, if you are in pain, it is time for you to pray continually. Paul knew that the only way to get over, is to pray and pray. He knew that nothing could take way what he is going through, but only through peace that comes from God. Ask others for prayer as well.
