“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, [even] your perfection.” (2Co 13:8-9 AV)
It is that last phrase uttered by Paul that shows his heart for the people for whom he labored. What makes this statement even more potent is that his closing remarks of this letter include encouragement toward continued sanctification. Corinth had come a long way. This letter was actually Paul’s third letter to the church at Corinth, which means the condition of the church may have been worse than it appears in his first letter. One thing we do know is that this precious church made great strides to clean up their fellowship and walk in Christlikeness. That brings us to Paul’s statement. I think that is exactly where a pastor’s heart should be. For all the ambition he could have, his first priority should be the Christlikeness of those whom he leads. There may be a large congregation and invitations to speak. There may be books published and titles to wear. But if the people are not transforming into the image of Christ, then it is all in vain. Paul’s heart is golden. All he wants is for the saints in Corinth to enjoy the blessings from godliness.
Anyone who has ever been a parent knows the feeling when your child excels. Part of the challenge is to find the child's interests and abilities that will result in excellence. Whether the arts, athletics, academics, or management, when he or she finds that niche, they have the chance to become the best version of themselves that they could be. It doesn’t matter what that talent or ability might be, Mom and Dad simply want their child to be the best version of what they can be. Who hasn’t sat through grade school dramatic productions? Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, brothers and sisters; they all gather to watch their child, grandchild, or sibling star in the school play as a tree. When he or she comes on stage, there are whoops and hollers. There are flashes from cameras. There are claps and whistles. Why? Because for that shining moment, Junior was the best tree on stage. From the grade school stage to being among the thousands who walk the stage to receive a diploma, it is all the same. They are growing, learning, contributing, and succeeding. Perhaps they serve in the military, or become a worker in the trades. Or maybe they are working a service-type job, a government career, or in the medical field. It doesn’t matter what road they take as long as they try their hardest and succeed in who and what God made them to be, that is all that matters.
This is the heart of Paul. Their continued spiritual growth was precious. That is all he wanted. He knows they will never be completely sinless. But being further down the road from one day to the next is what he wanted. He didn’t expect perfection overnight. There were many battles that need fighting. There was doctrine still unlearned. Self-discipline doesn’t come easy. Paul is willing to pay the price for their perfection. He mentions weakness. In context, it was the harsh criticism of those still fighting revival. They accused Paul of being overbearing. Well, wouldn’t you be? Given the circumstances of that church, wouldn’t you go in there with spit and vinegar? I would. Paul took the hit so that others would turn toward perfection. He wasn’t concerned over the fallout that would come his way. It didn’t matter. All he wanted; all he ever wanted; was the perfection of the saints. That is a man who has a pastor’s heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment