2 Corinthians 9:10-12
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
The concern of God for the ultimate need of mankind is great enough that He gave His only Son to bring sinners to reconciliation with Himself through Jesus Christ. Only Christ can meet this need; only the triune God should receive the glory.
As born again Christians, we should share the same value of reaching souls of men to point them to the Savior, the only One able to save them. A possible pitfall and tragic direction lie in some religious movements. They seem to hold a genuine burden for the needs of men. But to grow in number or recognition, they try to fulfill the work in ways other than God’s way, becoming like the lost to reach the sinner. This behavior leads to false security. Is our goal to meet the need of man through our own means and programs? Or is our goal to bring glory to God by meeting the needs of mankind?
These problematic approaches bring glory to man. The glory belongs to God and not to man. Our ultimate goal should be to bring glory to God by reaching mankind’s need for God. One author stated: “Increase of grace makes for an increase of thanksgiving to the glory of God.” To the saved soul, he or she will give thanksgiving to God instead of glory to man.
If we set our purpose and goal to bring glory to God, it will not diminish our hunger and desire to reach as many souls as possible. Instead, the desire increases to bring further glory to God. This goal not only honors God but also produces more lasting and genuine fruit. After all, it is God’s work, and He knows the best way. In fact, His way is the only way of salvation. His knowledge and plan far exceed ours and that of the world.
If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.