II Corinthians 6: 4,10
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God .....as poor, yet making many rich.
Recently our church set up a booth at a market day in Clinton. During the course of the afternoon I struck up a conversation with a minister from another church in town. When he found out we had a booth he asked what we were selling. I told him that we weren't selling anything. He responded, "I know. You're giving away salvation." I had to answer that in the negative. You see, I can't give away salvation because it is not mine to give. What I can do is introduce men to Jesus and he is the one who can grant eternal life. It is his to give because he purchased it on Calvary. Though it is free to us it was not free to him.
The greatest joy of my life is that God called me to preach the gospel. Though I can not grant salvation to anyone I get to help in the process by telling people how to be saved. I count it a privilege that he would trust me to deliver his word to his people. For me it not an occupation, a career, or even just a calling. It is my life.
In II Corinthians chapter 6 Paul writes to us about the ministry. He is open and forthright about both its joys and struggles. It is not always an easy path but it is worth it. Some have said that ministers are supposed to take a vow of poverty. Although I don't adhere to that, there is something to be said in not getting attached to the things of the world. Even though I may never be rich and most certainly will never be famous, my joy is complete. I may be poor in earthly goods but I am making many rich by introducing them to Jesus through the preaching of the gospel.
There are many get rich quick schemes in this but this is not one of them. I am not promising anyone that they can make a hundred thousand dollars in the next six months. In fact, what we preach tells people they must be willing to give up everything to gain eternal life. But like the children of Israel we have found greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. We may have to travel through the desert to get it but any struggles we may encounter are worth the prize.
What we are offering can not be bought with a million dollars. It is free to us because it was purchased a long time ago on Calvary with the precious blood of our redeeming Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. I am content that though I may never be rich or well-known my life's work is the most important of all. I am bringing people to Jesus and there is not any earthly value that can be attached to that.
Joyfully Yours,
Sullivan Jones
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