We do not proclaim ourselves...

2 Corinthians 4:1  Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2  We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. 3  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4  In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5  For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. 6  For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Nobody likes people who think they are better than everyone else. At first glance to be “the conscience of everyone” can suggest people who think that they are spiritually superior and have the effrontery to lecture others on how they ought to be living! This is not what this passage is about. Instead, Paul urges the people of Jesus to turn the focus away from themselves towards Jesus: “we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus”.

Let us all resist the temptation to look down on another person. Spiritual humility should be the hallmark of Jesus’ followers.

Ordinary 29 / Pentecost +22

51 Servants of Christ

The Scripture passage for the day is drawn from Reuben Job and Norman Shawchuck, A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and other Servants, (Nashville, The Upper Room 1983), 311.

This reflection is from my own devotional exercises for the day.