2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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BURDEN OR BLESSING?
LORD’S DAY, MARCH 22
2 Corinthians 12:14-18
1 Thessalonians 3:8
“I will not be
burdensome to you …”
BURDEN OR BLESSING?
All loving and responsible earthly parents seek to give the best to their children. They make sure that all the needs of their children are provided for so that they are given the best to excel in life. The love of parents dictate that they be a blessing and not a burden to their children.
As the spiritual father of the Corinthians, Paul always put the needs of the church first. Thus, he said in 2 Corinthians 12:14: “for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.”
The last visit of Paul to Corinth was a painful and severe visit (2 Cor 2:1). Paul was desirous that his next visit would not be so. In order not to be a burden to the church, Paul would continue not to receive remuneration from the Corinthian church to silence the accusations of his detractors. There must be no misunderstanding that Paul was in the ministry for monetary gain. Thus, for his next trip (i.e. his third visit), Paul would also bear his own travelling expenses.
Herein is a good principle for us in service. Whenever we serve, we seek to be a blessing rather than a burden to others. This is especially true whenever we are travelling or visiting others. It is also a chief principle on missions trips. What irony if the hosting church has to bear such a huge burden of hosting the missions team when the purpose of missions is to help! The conduct of missions efforts thus requires much wisdom and consideration so that all may be blessed.
Paul then closed his argument by mentioning Titus whom he had sent to visit the Corinthians to know the state of God’s flock. Titus was similarly exemplary among the Corinthians, not seeking any gain from them. This is the heart of all who are genuinely concerned for the saints. It is the heart of all spiritual parents. May the Lord grant us such a heart to serve, not for gain or reward.
THOUGHT: Am I a blessing or a burden to others?
PRAYER: Father, help me to be a blessing and not a burden to the saints.