We couldn’t be more sure of ourselves in this—that you, written by Christ himself for God, are our letter of recommendation. We wouldn’t think of writing this kind of letter about ourselves. Only God can write such a letter. (I Corinthians 3:4,5 The Message)
Fear Not… Then Look Around
A few months ago I was removing some old tile from part of a stairway. My tile-removing skill level is only average. It is a tedious and exhausting job… especially when done without the proper tools!
I was kind of embarrassed while I did this work. It felt like I was not making progress. It seemed like the job was never going to be finished. I was confident that someone else was going to have to complete what I had started.
And then I stood up and looked around.
Almost all of the tile had been removed! And the floor looked pretty good!
My low expectations had altered my perceptions. I was actually a fairly effective tile-remover!
Paul encourages the Corinthians along this same line.
We know that Paul lacked confidence. We know that Paul, while often outspoken and clear-speaking, did not trust his own abilities to persuade, to teach, or to convert.
But then he looks around, and sees that the Corinthian church was flourishing. And while not bragging, he acknowledged that their lives showed that Paul’s work was effective.
Perhaps we feel ineffective at times. Perhaps we do not see how God could be using US. Perhaps we allow our eyes to focus on our poorly chosen words, or our misguided actions. Perhaps we are afraid that we are useless to God.
But you are used by God, too.
I pray that God will let you have a vision for the good effect you have had on others. I pray that you will have the true humility to apprehend that God uses your words, your facial expression, your actions, and your presence to encourage, enlighten, and challenge His people around you.
I know this, because otherwise He would not have put you there.
Fear not, then look around.