APPROVED PREACHERS

"But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God." (2 Cor 6:4-10)

The world places an emphasis on preachers being "qualified." The Scriptures place the emphasis on them being "approved" or commended. That approval results from their reaction to circumstances and faithfulness to their commission. The above text introduces this manner of thinking, and does so with great effectiveness.

The Apostle knew this is "the day of salvation"– the time when God is accepting, or receiving humanity through Jesus Christ. It is not a time for developing careers, building institutions, or seeking fleshly advantages.

Like all true ministers, Paul gained approval in THE CRUCIBLE OF HARDSHIP. Under opposition and stress, the approved minister continues, endures, or remains patient. What a list he provides: "in tribulations (persecution, trouble, and stress), in needs (hardships in which adequate provisions are not always apparent), in distresses (calamities, anguish, and agony), in stripes (beatings and wounds), in imprisonments (incarceration, forcibly held), in tumults (riots, protests, revolts), in labors (hard work, extended effort), in sleeplessness, in fastings (special inconvenience for the Lord's sake)" (6:4-5).

Approval is also obtained by maintaining GODLY CHARACTER. "By purity (blamelessness, holiness), by knowledge (a working acquaintance with the Lord and His Truth), by longsuffering (fortitude when it does not seem reasonable), by kindness (gentle, good, and not forward to harm), by the Holy Spirit (not quenching, grieving, or resisting Him), by sincere love (seeking the betterment of others), by the Word of truth (never in conflict with the truth, always affirming the Word), by the power of God (undergirded by Divine power because in harmony with God's will), by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left (putting on the while armor of God)."

Endorsement is also given to the servant of God in the REACTIONS OF BOTH HEAVEN AND EARTH, THE SPIRIT AND THE FLESH. "By honor (heaven) and dishonor (earth), by evil report (earth) and good report (heaven); as deceivers (earth), and yet true (heaven); as unknown (earth), and yet well known (heaven); as dying (earth), and behold we live (heaven); as chastened (spirit), and yet not killed (flesh); as sorrowful (flesh), yet always rejoicing (spirit); as poor (flesh), yet making many rich (spirit); as having nothing (flesh), and yet possessing all things (spirit)."

It is evident that God's manner of approval, or certification, is in sharp conflict with the notions of men. The reaction of the man of God to the affects of his ministry tells the story. If the reaction is good, it will gender confidence in the heart of the messenger, and thanksgiving to God.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, bless Your ministers with grace and power to respond to the circumstances of life in a way that honors You and strengthens them.

-- Monday: THE COMMANDMENT OFFERED LIFE --