AUGUST 13, 2021 CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL : TOPIC – PAUL’S LIFE MAXIM
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LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Friday, August 13, 2021
PAUL’S LIFE MAXIM
Read: 2 Corinthians 8:16-21
2 Corinthians 8:16-21 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
MEMORISE:
Providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men (2 Corinthians 8:21)
EXPOSITION
Merriam Webster Dictionary defines Maxim as a well known phrase that expresses a general truth, fundamental principle or rule of conduct. Our memory verse for this dose of Living Water states, ‘For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men’ (NIV). ‘For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man’ (ESV). ‘We’re being as careful in our reputation with the public as in our reputation with God’ (The Message).
The idea which is presented here is that, we are to make it a matter of set purpose that what we do shall be comely, that is, just, honourable, correct, not only in the sight of the Lord, but in the sight of mankind. It is not enough for God to know that a man’s conscience is clear. He should order his affairs in such a manner that people will also be aware of it. The apostle is not seeking the praise of men, but was concerned, lest any weak persons, by their conduct, should stumble and fall and their ministry becomes unprofitable.
Paul applies this principle in his own case to the alms which were to be entrusted to him. His idea is that he meant to conduct himself in a way that he should be approved of God and acceptable in the sight of people. He knew how much his own usefulness depended on an irreproachable character. It seems to have been the leading maxim of the life of Paul, and it should be of ours. The maxim may be applied to everything which we have to do; and should constantly regulate us.
As Christians, we should always take care to frame our lives with a view to the edification of our neighbours, and diligently take heed, that the ministers of Satan shall have no pretext for reviling, to the dishonour of God and the offense of the good.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to always provide honourable things both in Your sight and mine.
2. Holy Spirit, help me to apply this maxim to everything I do, and let it constantly regulate me.
3. Father, grant all Christians the grace to always take care to frame their life with a view to the edification of their neighbours, so that the ministers of Satan shall have pretext for reviling, to the dishonour of God.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Psalms 25:11 – 30:5; Romans 6:5 – 7:3