"For Christ did
not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words,
lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the
cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved
it is the power of God." (1Corinthians 1:17-18 NKJ)
The
world focuses on numbers of customers, numbers of tweets, numbers of fans,
numbers . . . numbers . . . numbers. Sometimes, we Christian leaders get
mesmerized by worldly success and begin to think numbers are the only
measurement of success. And of course numbers are a gauge for acceptance, but
they are not the focus of biblical Christianity.
Jesus evidently knew
that numerical evaluations could be misconstrued and distract us from the real
purpose and goal. When he saw the multitudes, he often escaped into the
mountains to be free from the temptations fomented by the crowd.
For me, both as a
pastor and a Christian, Paul's statement to the Corinthians teaches proper
focus. He isn't interested in numbers of baptisms. While he certainly believed
in and practiced reporting on his work, his principle here shows us that he
wasn't interested in impressing anyone with numbers on a report.
Paul knew his
mission, purpose, and goal. He knew what he was called to do and what he was
supposed to be doing. His calling was "to preach the Gospel." And his
statement is not complete without noting the results of distraction. If he
didn't focus and faithfully perform his calling, then "the Cross of Christ
would have no effect" in his ministry.
And Paul knew the
power of Calvary's message. Of course, the message is considered to be
"foolishness" by those who are "perishing" through
unbelief. But to those of "us who are being saved," the message embodies "the power of God" continuously. That is why preaching the Gospel was
Paul's top priority. I want it to be mine also.
Dear Father, thank
you for the salvation power of the Gospel. Empower me to focus continuously on
the message of hope in Christ and share it with others. I pray this in the name
of Jesus. AMEN
Every Christian's
focus is the Gospel of Christ!
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