2 Corinthians 12: I have to boast, even
though it doesn't do any good. But I will now talk about visions and
revelations given me by the Lord. 2 I know a certain Christian man who
fourteen years ago was snatched up to the highest heaven (I do not know whether
this actually happened or whether he had a vision—only God knows). 3-4 I repeat, I know that this
man was snatched to Paradise (again, I do not know whether this actually
happened or whether it was a vision—only God knows), and there he heard things
which cannot be put into words, things that human lips may not speak. 5 So I will boast about this
man—but I will not boast about myself, except the things that show how weak I
am. 6 If I wanted to boast, I
would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will not
boast, because I do not want any of you to have a higher opinion of me than you
have as a result of what you have seen me do and heard me say.
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Eloquent speakers,
smart thinkers, strong athletes and talented people seemed to “always” be ahead
of me when it came to being chosen. I would raise my hand but receive the words
“That’s alright, we have already chosen someone else.” “Am I unwanted?” I would
ask GOD.
- I felt untalented.
- I felt rejected.
- I felt unneeded, undesired, and unpleasant.
Paul speaks about
his incredible encounter with the LORD. He was sought after by GOD to be a
special messenger and was revealed an indescribable vision that catapulted his
purpose to the highest level. Even though this uncommon event happened, he did
not want anyone to have a higher opinion of him or be jealous of the calling.
My Observations
- I need to recognize GOD’s calling on my life.
- I need to look at only my relationship with the LORD and not be jealous of someone else’s.
- I need to live my life with the purpose GOD gave me and know it is just as important as the next person.
Titles cause me to
think of people on different levels. I mean, when someone has a special title
in the world’s eyes, I follow the protocol associated with that title. This may
require extra attention I would not give to a “common” person. BUT GOD wants me
to treat everyone the same.
HE wants me to see
that all of us have sinned and fall short of HIS glory. HE then wants me to
praise HIM when someone accepts HIS SON as their Savior so he or she can live a
life for JESUS. HE wants me to live my life with that same purpose, knowing we
are all equally loved by HIM. I am glad GOD loves me just as much as those who
are called to do what they do.
Challenge
- While reading this passage, do you feel lower than the writer?
- Have you ever compared yourself to the names written in the Bible and felt better or worse?
- Will you consider not comparing yourself to others and know you are loved, needed and wanted to the highest by GOD today?
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