The unboastful life

Reflections on 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

“But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:6b-8a

I remember the first time I preached God’s word without any notes on the pulpit. I was a student chaplain in a hospital at Tewksbury, Massachusetts where over 600 other students and their advisors attended that day. In those days it took me 3 weeks to develop an acceptable message, most of the time sweating “bullets”. No one had tipped me off that many people would be there, they just showed up.

As I approached the pulpit, looking at the people, whatever words on the paper I wrote seemed not to make sense. I turned the page upside down and delivered a message I had not thought beforehand. After the service was complete several of my colleagues came to me with words of praise. I responded, “No, those were not my words; but straight from God.” Several people told me to take the credit because they were my words. I didn’t fall for that trap, for the Holy Spirit was with me that day. I still remember that day, 42 years ago.

The Apostle Paul had all kinds of reasons to boast of the things he did in life. He was from a highly respected family. He was born a Jew in the tribe of Benjamin; his father was Roman which gave him high honors in the known world of that day. He was a zealot for God’s word as a Jew, which persecuted Christians and after his conversion; was zealous for Jesus and God’s kingdom. But Paul said he had a thorn put in his side by Satan which caused him to be humble. He never described that thorn. Was it a physical ailment or spiritual in nature—no one knows. However, it kept him looking heavenward, knowing where his strength came. His life was full of praise for the Creator.

Everyone reading these words have skills and gifts that God has given you. Is it the gift of friendship, where everyone you meet is in your family of Christ? Do you lead and bring new ideas to the company you work? Do you speak well? Do you pray for situations in the world? Do you search for that one person who needs a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on? In whatever gift you possess, do you take the credit or give praise to God? Don’t get me wrong, it is okay to take credit but know that what you do and say comes from God. So, what is the thorn in your side, that reminds you are God’s mouthpiece, hands, legs with his message for all people?

Dear Lord, your grace is sufficient for me. You have redeemed me from all my misgivings and set me right with you. Continue to empower me with your Holy Spirit to be the messenger you want me to be. Amen.