Devotion - Wednesday, April 9

In 2 Corinthians 2:15 there is a comment which brings me up short every time I read it.  Paul writes "For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word; but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of god we speak in Christ."

In these statements Paul expresses a confidence in himself, in his work, and in this faithfulness.  In most of my public statements, I do the same.  But in these early morning hours when I sit quietly and listen for the God's voice, I ask God to reveal which category best describes my work of the previous day.  

None of those who speak half-truths set out to be "peddlers of God's word."  It just sort of happens over time.  None of those who share the news of God's abundant grace do so for personal advancement, but they can become addicted to the responses and replies of those who receive that word.  How do we know when we have shifted from one to the other?

The message we share is 95% the same as the other Christian ministries on campus.  But the remaining 5% creates great separation among God's people.  (This is a statistic made up on the spot this morning - to help me make a point.)  How can we know that our interpretation of that 5% is faithful and appropriate?

Maintaining humility is essential.  Remaining open to the Spirit's guidance and prepared to hear from God that alterations are called for is a good mark that we are not "peddlers" but persons of sincerity.  Our dedication to hearing God's Word and following his way is what matters; occasionally getting a bit confused as to the particle way we live that out in this instance on this day is inevitable.