SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 10-11
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)
The world values strength, charisma, skill, success, money, numbers, etc.
Too often the church plays this game too, trying to put on a good show.
Paul admits that he is a poor speaker, and unimpressive compared to other speakers.
But his strength, his power, lies not in eloquence but in devotion and self-denial.
Like Jesus, he sacrifices himself so that others will benefit and be blessed.
As a pastor, I can relate to the lure of personal ambition and competition.
To build a great church with impressive attendance, worship, budgets, preaching, programs…
But these are NOT the weapons that Jesus needs, He needs our love and devotion.
Paul says that our weapons have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4).
This is encouraging, especially when I don’t see that power… yet.
“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 11:30)
Low attendance, unimpressive worship, weak programs, small budgets… OK Lord, I’m going to boast in them!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to measure myself with others. To see myself as You see me. And while You’re at it, please show Your power!