As preachers, it is easy to get in the way of what God wants to do through us. Our tendency is to go on our own strength instead of His. To take credit for what God does, instead of walking in humility, when a sermon goes well or something good happens.
I have been journeying slowly through the book of II Corinthians this last week. There are such great truths for us found in this book. It seems that Paul is making a defense for his ministry, defending himself against accusations that are being made against him. He can testify without any doubt that he didn’t get in the way of God moving through him.
As I read this morning in chapter 4, I was challenged to make sure that my heart remains right in my preaching and ministry. II Corinthians 4:5, “For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servant’s for Jesus’ sake.”
In ministry do I promote myself or Christ? Do I reflect more of my image or Christ’s? May God help me walk in humility and reflect Him. May Christ be exalted! May I decrease that He might increase.