Daily Devotions: August 6, 2014

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Corinthians chapter 6

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

God gives us the privilege of joining Him in His work. Those who are workers for God must go through a lot of difficulties. 2 Corinthians chapter 6 describes some of these difficulties. God’s workers endure troubles, hardships, and calamities of every kind. Some of God’s best workers have been beaten, imprisoned, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, and have been spiritually spent in intense prayer and fasting. These workers have served faithfully whether others appreciated their sacrifice or not, whether people loved them or despised them, whether people spoke well of them or slandered them. Spiritual workers depend on spiritual resources for success. They are dependent on holy living, knowledge of God and His Word, God’s power, the Holy Spirit, God’s armor, and pure motives. God’s workers are motivated by love. They are God- centered and Gospel- focused. Those who serve God do not seek fame or fortune. The church needs to be able to recognize true workers. Paul said, “In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God.” (2 Corinthians 6:4 NLT) True workers serve effectively when they emulate Paul’s character, and when they are motivated by love. Paul loved the people he ministered to. His heart was big with love and he challenged the Corinthian church to have a big heart for him. God’s people must love one another if we are going to benefit from the grace God has given us. Otherwise we are in danger of receiving God’s grace in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1). The spiritual success of godly workers does not benefit us unless we emulate their character. Just because a faithful worker has invested in us doesn’t mean we will be spiritually prosperous. We must come out of the world and be faithful to God. We can enjoy a level of intimacy with God like that of Paul if we are willing to submit to holy living.

Prayer: “Heavenly Father, teach us holy living, and make us more like Paul and ultimately more like Jesus. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron