That Our Ministry May Not Be Blamed

That Our Ministry May Not Be Blamed

“We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses.” 2 Cor. 6:3-4.

Paul encountered many tribulations and situations in his ministry for God, as the apostle to the Gentiles, overseeing the churches and preaching the word of God. He was in needs, experienced distresses, sorrows, suffered many stripes, was in imprisonments, in tumults, had to work hard night and day, was poor, but also experienced abundance. He experienced much dishonor from people who despised him and opposed him, but he also received honor as the apostle to the Gentiles. He experienced good report and evil report. Even among the Corinthians he experienced contempt.

In all these different circumstances, Paul was vigilant that the ministry might not be blamed. It’s not all these different circumstances and tribulations that cause our ministry to be blamed, but when we don’t cleanse ourselves from what comes from the flesh, then our ministry will be blamed.

For example, if we are disturbed because others have a bad impression of us, our thoughts will no longer be centered around God’s will in our ministry, but instead around what others are saying about us or how we can clear our name. Then our ministry will be blamed and we will lose the grace that is over our ministry. Paul had labored more abundantly than they all, but took no honor for this; instead he could say that it was not him, but the grace of God that was with him. 1 Cor. 15:10. There are many people who work a lot for the church and for others, but if God does not receive the honor, grace will depart from them, and their ministry will be blamed if they don’t understand to purify themselves.

“As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed.” 2 Cor. 6:9. If we entertain a little bit of enjoyment in our thoughts that we have become somewhat well-known, then we have come out of our first love towards Christ and grace will depart from us.

If we do not take this seriously and if we do not purify ourselves and bring every thought captive to the obedience to Christ so that we commend ourselves in all things as servants of God, then our ministry will be blamed. It is sin that causes blame—those things that come from our flesh and are permitted to live!

This is extremely serious! A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Even if others don’t notice, God’s eyes are like flames of fire and He withdraws His anointing when our hearts are not pure.

We must be zealous for God in our ministry! Anything that cannot abide God’s light must be put on the cross. So, here we must remain faithful in the cleansing. Paul was among those who were not disqualified. Ch. 13:5-6. Everything that caused offense, every tainted thought was cleansed out. Therefore, Paul could say: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Cor. 11:1. We must also be able to say this after fulfilling our ministry!