Mea e 'ai e tatau ma le aso
"Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;... But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
(2 Corinthians 4:1-6)
With the chain of events unfolding on earth before our very eyes, anyone can be dispondant and get discouraged from time to time, and Christians are not exempt from discouragement.
Things happen in our journey in this world that can cause dicouragement. In the news, it seems lately that CNN "live" broadcast of calamitiy after calamity of historical magnitude are our daily diet. We witnessed "live" catastrophic distruction in Japan, New Zealand, Haiti, Indonesia and even in the Samoan Islands a few year ago.
The Apostle Paul went through many trials, but he never lost heart. He probably went through greater trials than we will ever experience, so he is the right person to instruct us when we are tested. Paul told the Corinthians church several reasons why they should not lose heart. We can learn from what Paul told them. Let’s look at four reasons why we as Christians should not lose heart.
I. The ministry entrusted to us (v. 1-6) God has given us a ministry, not just pastors or professional church workers, but also for any professed true Christian layperson. What a great privilege & honor to know that God wants to make us his partners. (v. 1) “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;" This verse says It is a ministry that flows from God’s mercy, that has meaning and purpose & are great gifts for us.
2. (v. 2, 3). “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God...But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:” Says it is a ministry of truth. We have the opportunity to give a trustworthy message to a desperate world in need of God’s biblical truths.
3. (v. 5). “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake”. This verse says it is a ministry that centers on Christ. He is both the subject and the motivation for our missionary work. That we preach a "Christ Centered Message."
4. (v. 6). “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” God has in-trusted to you my Christian brother and sister, a ministry of enlightenment for the world. Now isn't that worth a cheery heart, no matter how difficult the challenge it presents?
Ia manuia,
failauga p. anoa'i
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