To God we are the aroma of Christ among those who are saved and among those who are dying. To some people we are a deadly fragrance, while to others we are a life-giving fragrance. Who is qualified to tell about Christ? (2 Corinthians 2:15, 16 GWT)
As I see it, God has placed us apostles last in line, like people condemned to die. We have become a spectacle for people and angels to look at. We have given up our wisdom for Christ, but you have insight because of Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. To this moment, we are hungry, thirsty, poorly dressed, roughly treated, and homeless. We wear ourselves out doing physical labor. When people verbally abuse us, we bless them. When people persecute us, we endure it. When our reputations are attacked, we remain courteous. Right now we have become garbage in the eyes of the world and trash in the sight of all people. I’m not writing this to make you feel ashamed but to instruct you as my dear children. (1 Corinthians 4:9-14 GWT)
As Pastor Glenn leads us ushers us into the new year though the challenge of being humble, we must also learn how to put on humility as leaders in the church. We are not only observed by our church family, but also carefully observed by those who do not YET believe. The more and more I want to serve Jesus, the more I realize that I must always share and preach the gospel. I also realized that witnessing is not and will not be in words alone.
It is easy to share the love of Christ when others are attentive and respectful to us, but how do you react and respond to those who are rude, harsh, and spiteful? Our fragrance must always emit the aroma of Christ. Our godly scent should be constant and never change and match the stench of pride when we our reputations are attacked, verbally abused, or persecuted. The fragrance of Christ should overpower the odor of man.
When you interact with people in any situation, what fragrance will you emit - that of Christ or the pride to one-up the person to whom you interact? Remember, the moment you engage with anyone you are witnessing to him or her the love of Christ.
As I see it, God has placed us apostles last in line, like people condemned to die. We have become a spectacle for people and angels to look at. We have given up our wisdom for Christ, but you have insight because of Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. To this moment, we are hungry, thirsty, poorly dressed, roughly treated, and homeless. We wear ourselves out doing physical labor. When people verbally abuse us, we bless them. When people persecute us, we endure it. When our reputations are attacked, we remain courteous. Right now we have become garbage in the eyes of the world and trash in the sight of all people. I’m not writing this to make you feel ashamed but to instruct you as my dear children. (1 Corinthians 4:9-14 GWT)
As Pastor Glenn leads us ushers us into the new year though the challenge of being humble, we must also learn how to put on humility as leaders in the church. We are not only observed by our church family, but also carefully observed by those who do not YET believe. The more and more I want to serve Jesus, the more I realize that I must always share and preach the gospel. I also realized that witnessing is not and will not be in words alone.
It is easy to share the love of Christ when others are attentive and respectful to us, but how do you react and respond to those who are rude, harsh, and spiteful? Our fragrance must always emit the aroma of Christ. Our godly scent should be constant and never change and match the stench of pride when we our reputations are attacked, verbally abused, or persecuted. The fragrance of Christ should overpower the odor of man.
When you interact with people in any situation, what fragrance will you emit - that of Christ or the pride to one-up the person to whom you interact? Remember, the moment you engage with anyone you are witnessing to him or her the love of Christ.