Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority.
We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature.
I have been concerned that my failure would cause those around us to stumble. Would they question the sovereignty of the God that we serve? Would they say, "Where is your God now, why didn't He save you?" Perhaps their perception of my God will come from the way I respond to the situation. If I mope around all day, our neighbors will see a God sized failure.
I must choose to face each day with a smile on my face resting in the joy of my salvation. The things of this world are temporary, and He will use my failures for His Glory. When I trust that His grace is enough, my testimony is restored.
I have not lost my Spiritual authority. I rest in the knowledge that God will use my weakness to build the faith of those around me, and He will increase their spiritual maturity.
No comments:
Post a Comment