2 Corinthians Chapter 8: verse 22 (NIV)
In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you.
2 Corinthians Chapter 9: Verse 2 (NIV)
For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.
Colossians Chapter 3: verses 23-24 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Paul commends his unnamed fellow worker who has proved his willingness and eagerness to serve the Lord and His church but also the Corinthian church whose own actions and testimony has actually spurred on the Macedonian church in its own endeavours.
This is another example of how the way we live has an impact on the lives of others, and on this occasion, it was a very positive one. The co-worker commended by Paul is unnamed. The important thing for us to remember is that whatever we do, we are doing it to please God, not others. Jesus reminded His disciples that all their gifting and work should be done without the intention of drawing attention to themselves (Matthew 6:2-4) as the Pharisees had a bad habit of doing, but as much as possible do in secret what can be done that way. One of the things we need to be mindful of in the current social media age is the temptation to post or list all of our accomplishments for everyone to see and comment on. We need to remember to be more discreet at times. Whilst our actions may at times spur people on, as in the case of the Macedonians, we don’t want people to feel that they are inferior.
Paul reminds the Colossians too that they need to remember that we are doing it all for Jesus first and foremost. His is the only approval we need.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the example set by others, however unconsciously, to teach us how to serve You. May I be an encouragement to others that builds them up rather than making them feel bad. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.