July 6, 2018
2 Corinthians 10:7-11 Good News Translation (GNT)
Because we are human, we tend to look at this world first through human eyes, but what would happen if we spiritually saw beyond this temporal world to understand the deeper realities of the growing Kingdom in our midst? As you walk through each day, please focus on the beauty and positive things around you rather than the negative things that try to possess you. Scripture teaches God is providing good things every moment. It may look one way with the natural eye, but is really quite different as we look beyond it to the spiritual realm. We should not deny the presence of evil nor the difficult places we may find ourselves, but in the midst of those things lies a Kingdom and a God seed of grace that is waiting for the Spirit to multiply by our praise and by our actions. We say we believe these things with our witness, but we must put action to that which we say or it is meaningless to the advancement of the Kingdom and void of the Spirit’s power.
The Apostle Paul continues to write to the church in Corinth; to give them instruction as to what it takes to belong to Christ and the authority that can be accessed from that spiritual connection. He explains it clearly to those who profess Christ. He essentially tells the Corinthians and us to put gospel action to our words and we will access the power to manifest the Kingdom. God gives His children authority when we have chosen to live, move, and have our being each moment in Christ. That means there is no hypocrisy between what we say we believe (Christ the Living Word) and how we live each day. This is instruction and truth that can easily offend those who want to profess Christ but live according to the world’s standard. Have a blessed weekend…
2 Corinthians 10:7-11
7 You are looking at the outward appearance of things. Are there some there who reckon themselves to belong to Christ? Well, let them think again about themselves, because we belong to Christ just as much as they do. 8 For I am not ashamed, even if I have boasted somewhat too much about the authority that the Lord has given us—authority to build you up, not to tear you down. 9 I do not want it to appear that I am trying to frighten you with my letters. 10 Someone will say, “Paul’s letters are severe and strong, but when he is with us in person, he is weak, and his words are nothing!” 11 Such a person must understand that there is no difference between what we write in our letters when we are away and what we will do when we are there with you.
Prayer: Lord, may my witness come with action and spiritual influence. Help me to stay the course and live the Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.