Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation–2 Corinthians 6:11-12

Posted by Seth on Sep 3, 2009 in Daily Devotions |

Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation–2 Corinthians 6:11-12

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Welcome to today’s Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation covering 2 Corinthians 6:11-12 wherein the one in the pulpit and the pew are commended to faithfulness.

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.

Having spent time in both the pulpit and in the pew, I receive two personal challenges from this text. Previous to what is written here, Paul has gone through a list of the things that have characterized his ministry among the Corinthians and likely covering his time with various churches. It was his aim to put nothing in the way of anyone so that all might understand the truth clearly, so far as it depended on him. His service had been one in which he faced great difficulties while putting into practice the great power of the Spirit working within him. No one could have accused him, on any kind of legitimate ground at least, of not fulfilling his ministry call. He indeed gives us an example to follow as he had followed the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). And this is where I meet my first challenge. I know there have been plenty of pulpit times where I have been more concerned about being visible than in making Christ known, many times where I have let opportunities pass by instead of reaching out, and scores of times when I have not shown or at least been filled with genuine love and a heart wide open. People, I am sure, have experienced restriction from a clear view of the Lord on my account. Paul speaks otherwise of himself, not trying to claim personal perfection but testifying that he has held up a continual pattern of godliness before his audience.

But in the present day, I am for the most part in the pew (not to say that I am not still held up to the standard of a pastor or missionary but simply that leadership frequency in such ways are currently further removed from me). The Corinthian church had been given every human reason to live faithfully unto the Lord, to be learners ready to repent where correction was needed and to be lights to those around them. But they instead were restricted from such living in their own affections, letting their minds wander to the inglorious and their feet into folly. They had the information and examples that they needed to put them on the right course, but their interest was elsewhere. Being on the teaching end, I have often felt this same thing with those in my care, but on the receiving end, I have found that I can act in the same way. I often want things that are less than what God (often through a pastor or other teacher) says is best. I am distracted, consumed with life issues, self-seeking, and weak…but my God is great! It is in understanding this and through continually recalling it to mind that I will have corrected affections. Ultimately, nobody will be able in the end to blame another for their lack of faithfulness even though the responsibility of the teacher is a great one. Even from Eden, everyone wanted to blame another, but all endured the curse. All endured the curse, but redemption was and is available through the Savior.

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