The Glory of God in Christ

Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (The Message)

Trial and Torture

 ^1-2Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we're not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.  ^3-4If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get.
 ^5-6Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

For Reflection:      It is easy (when it is easy).  But, what about when it is difficult?  The latest expression of a standard for modern society is transparency.  Today's citizens want government to be transparent; hospitals to be transparent; banks, and all sorts of institutions to be transparent.  It is a statement of a chronic lack of trust.  We figure if we can see it all, perhaps we can have faith in whatever institution is transparent.
     Maybe that is what Paul is talking about.  If the gift of God that resides in Christians is so easily visible that anyone who sees can not help but recognize the goodness and compassion and saving grace of God, how could it be ignored?   To what extent do you reject game playing, manipulation, and spinning the truth? To what extent to our words and actions express the authentic response to a gracious God?  To what extent do you "Light up the darkness?"  To what extent is your commitment to Jesus Christ transparent?

Pray that in all you say and do you reflect the living Lord, the Spirit that lives inside you and drives your every thought and action.  Pray that others are not blinded by fashionable sense and an inability to recognize Christ as the true presence of God.