If we are living our lives for Christ and telling others about Him, some people will be happy because we point them to eternal life and others will be UPSET with us. Paul explains that in 2 Corinthians 2:15 - 16 (NLT),
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?
So maybe those people being upset with us ARE the sufferings for Christ that Paul talked about earlier in chapter one. Remember that he tells us if we suffer for Christ in this way, God promises to “shower” us with comfort:
For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:5 (NASB)
He finishes out verse 16 with the question who is adequate for this task, the task being dealing with those who are not saved and think we’re “doom and gloom preachers” whenever we mention Jesus’ name. You know, the ones who claim you’re a “bible thumper” or a “goodie two-shoes” (I have no idea where that phrase about shoes came from!).
So, should we stop telling them about Christ because they think badly of us? OR, should we continue, in love, to tell them about Jesus, especially by the way that we live our lives? The question really is do you trust God to “shower you” with His comfort? Do you believe Jesus when He said
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
Who is adequate for the task? Jesus is!! Trust Him to take care of you, especially when you are taking care of His business.
SEEK FIRST THE
