“Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I? I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?” (2 Corinthians 12:17-18)
Look at the fruits. Did not our Lord tell us to do this? We often get caught in the trivial things and do not pay attention to the whole thing. What does the story tell you? If you do this, it becomes fairly clear and quite quickly. Paul isn’t asking or taking, he is giving. Jesus isn’t just demanding; He is empowering. The Gospel doesn’t ask us just to resist, but to die to sin. Look and see.
Lord, I am caught by fancy words and feelings of the moment. Guide me, Lord, that I may be led by truth and not feelings. Help me to see through the lies of this age in order to accept, receive, and live truth. Let me not just count the cost, but be willing to pay whatever the cost is to live truthfully in this age. Through all things, keep me close to You, and the way You have established for true life.
Lord Jesus, through You alone is all hope. None of us can do these things on our own. Guide me, O Lord, that I may walk humbly with You all the days of my life. Keep me from being deceived. Help me to be bold by simply being whom You have created me to be. Let me not capitulate to those who are wrapped up in the lies of this age, but instead live in truth and love. Amen.
