It is interesting that even though much is recorded in the book of Acts concerning Paul and most of the epistles were written by him, we know very little about the man himself. In verses 24 to 29 there are references to many incidents about which nothing is recorded elsewhere. They were all part of the cost Paul paid as a servant of Christ. The only reason he mentioned them now was to defend himself. False teachers in Corinth were engaged in 'character assassination' against Paul while trying to build themselves up at his expense. There were tremendous differences between Paul and his opponents. They boasted of their outward appearance and of their own popularity. Paul spoke of the sufferings he had endured for Christ's sake. It is quite a list. Someone has said, 'God never intended for His work to be carried out without sacrifice.' You can serve Christ and the church in a detached professional way, but you will never really touch lives until you are prepared to pay the cost of identifying with those lives. Whatever our service is for Christ, if we want to fulfil our opportunity and calling, it is going to cost us time, effort, as well as emotional and spiritual strain. There may even be adverse physical results. This could be a personal challenge to each of us. How much are we doing for Christ? How are we doing it? Are we simply going through the motions in the same way we have done for years? Or are we putting our heart into whatever it is? Is it costing us anything? It may be a privilege and a joy but remember, the Gospel is free, but real service is costly. WHEN WE CEASE TO BLEED, WE CEASE TO BLESS. |
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