HOW DO WE PROVE THAT WE ARE SERVANTS OF GOD

 

 

Today’s first reading is so instructive.  It reminds us not to neglect the grace of God that we have received.

“We do nothing that people might object to, so as not to bring discredit on our function as God’s servants.

Instead, we prove we are servants of God by great fortitude

• in times of suffering:

• In hardship and distress;

• when we are flogged, or sent to prison, or mobbed;

• When we are labouring, sleepless, starving.

We prove we are God’s servants

• by our purity, knowledge, patience and kindness;

• by a spirit of holiness,

• by a love free from affectation;

• by the word of truth and by the power of God;

• by being armed with the weapons of righteousness

• By being prepared for honour or disgrace, for blame or praise;

• By being ready to be taken

    ◦ for impostors while we are genuine;

    ◦ obscure yet famous;

    ◦ said to be dying and here are we alive;

    ◦ rumoured to be executed before we are sentenced;

    ◦ thought most miserable and yet we are always rejoicing

    ◦ taken for paupers though we make others rich,

    ◦ for people having nothing though we have everything.”

                                   (2 Corinthians 6:1-10)

O God, strength of those who hope in you,

graciously hear our pleas,

and, since without you

mortal frailty can do nothing,

grant us always the help of your grace,

that in following your commands

we may please you by our resolve and our deeds.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

                           (This week's Collect Prayer)