2 Corinthians 7

V. 14-16, Boasting in you

Shawnna and I was having a conversation the other day and somehow, we got on topic of excelling at things in life. I told her something that I think kind of caught her off guard because she knows how stubborn I am in my belief system. I told her that a lot of my success in youth was driven by the fact that I was a people pleaser. I was obedient to my parents and made good grades because I didn’t want to let them down and I wanted them to be proud of me. I was a good athlete and teammate because I wanted my coaches to be proud of me and know that I could accomplish my goals. I was a good employee because I always wanted to be the best at what I do and let the boss know that they can trust me. I am not saying that I was an off the chart people pleaser, but I certainly took and take pride in coming through for those in authority over me. In the final verses of this chapter Paul lets the people of Corinth know that he is proud of their efforts and they haven’t let him down.

Hearing these words from a man can be satisfying or pleasing to someone but our goal is to hear these words spoken to us by God. God wants us to work hard and be good subordinates to those He has given authority to us but more importantly He wants us to be faithful to His purpose for our lives. God has a purpose and plan for all our lives, and we should all be seeking to ensure that we are faithful to this above all. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of the talents and what happens to those who use what is given of them to multiply a return for the master. Those unfaithful in doing so, lose what the master has given them but those who are faithful get to hear these words, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21 NIV) Our motivation in life should be to hear the Creator of the heavens and earth speak these words to us as we enter eternity.