Daily Devotional for Wednesday, June 11

Fools for Christ’s Sake

“We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised,” 1 Corinthians 4:10.

The call of God upon a man’s life to become a minister of the gospel is a very serious matter. I believe many of God’s people do not truly understand the sacrifices and struggles of pastors and missionaries and the various hardships they face. Consider Moses and the continual complaints directed at him by the children of Israel. They almost stoned him on more than one occasion! And yet, he interceded to the Lord on Israel’s behalf time and again. What love he had in his heart for the Lord and His people. This is often what the life of a minister of God looks like. 

Paul and the apostles were dedicated ministers, fully given to Christ and spreading the gospel everywhere they went. Although they were mistreated and persecuted by the world around them, they never ceased to share the love of Christ. Sadly, there were those in the church at Corinth that looked down upon Paul with critical eyes and judgment. Yet, Paul loved them with all his heart as can be seen in his letters clearly. He prayed for them, cried for them and implored them to live for Christ.

There may be times you are tempted to complain about your church or pastor, but this is not pleasing to the Lord. Your pastor and spiritual leaders need prayer, love and encouragement. Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” It is beneficial to have a joyful pastor, so put a stop to gossip or hurtful words, and rather uplift him. May all things be done to edify one another.

REFLECTION

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Philippians 2:14).

Darla Goodrum