Our Reward
Paul suffered greatly for the work of Christ. He suffered ship wrecks, prison time, flogging, stoning, and other such persecutions for the sake of Christ. He was fueled by a powerful vehicle which enabled him to persevere even in the sight of death. The type of persecution he faced is unheard of in the United States. None of us are stoned, flogged, or thrown in prison for speaking out our convictions, yet he continued in great joy and an amazing passion for his work. He said the Philippians were his crown or reward for the persecution. Wow! He was rewarded by God in seeing the lives of people changed for the purposes of Christ. He endured and was encouraged by how God worked in the lives of those he ministered to. This is an amazing love he had for those God entrusted to his ministry.
I wonder how much I love others. I really do enjoy seeing people grow in the Lord but I can’t say it fuels my walk and encourages me along the way. I can’t say I have seen people become radically changed because of my ministry however, I have seen people come to Christ after God used me to proclaim the Gospel to them. I wasn’t fueled by it though. I have been fueled in the past by God’s blessing upon me. When He miraculously provided or given me things I didn’t deserve. I receive little encouragement from seeing others blessed. Not that I’m not happy for them or grateful that God is working in their lives but it just doesn’t fuel me for ministry. I wonder if all God encouraged me with was witnessing the blessings of others, would my passion remain the same? I really need to fall in love with His creation even more.
God, you are the creator of all the earth and everything in it. You are a wonderful artist and take great love in the details of your work. You take concern in all of their needs, saints and sinners alike. My love for you is reflected in how I love people and I’m seeing that my love for others isn’t as great as it could or should be. Lord, give me a deeper appreciation for things you care for. I can’t effectively do ministry without a heart fashioned after yours. I want to be just like your son who served mankind. Amen!
Created about 2 years ago
