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- Oct 26, 2007
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I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 NKJV
Ever had your sincerity tested? Paul told the Corinthians that becoming “rich” involved having an outside consultant compare one man’s “earnestness” with another’s.
Paul wanted to help the church benefit from Isaiah’s prophecy: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic” (Isaiah 28:16). He wanted them to build their ideas about lasting wealth on the solid rock of Jesus, and he knew that everyone needs help with that. Paul helped the men compare the sincerity of their love not only with the earnestness of other men but with the one man who ultimately matters. Though Jesus was infinitely rich, He chose poverty in order to create wealth for others. That kind of humility generates unshakable riches.
If you allow someone to help you compare your sincerity not only to that of others but especially to that of Jesus, you’ll discover the kind of generosity and humility the psalmist celebrated: “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory” (psalm 149:4).
Prayer: Father, help me trust a mentor who can help me stay focused on the riches that matter most.
Ever had your sincerity tested? Paul told the Corinthians that becoming “rich” involved having an outside consultant compare one man’s “earnestness” with another’s.
Paul wanted to help the church benefit from Isaiah’s prophecy: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic” (Isaiah 28:16). He wanted them to build their ideas about lasting wealth on the solid rock of Jesus, and he knew that everyone needs help with that. Paul helped the men compare the sincerity of their love not only with the earnestness of other men but with the one man who ultimately matters. Though Jesus was infinitely rich, He chose poverty in order to create wealth for others. That kind of humility generates unshakable riches.
If you allow someone to help you compare your sincerity not only to that of others but especially to that of Jesus, you’ll discover the kind of generosity and humility the psalmist celebrated: “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory” (psalm 149:4).
Prayer: Father, help me trust a mentor who can help me stay focused on the riches that matter most.
