We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence.
I once had a boss take credit for a major deal I made in sales. It was 30 years ago. There is a reason I still remember it. It still irks me slightly. That is one thing at least I have in common with the Apostle Paul. In Acts 18 and 19, he planted the church in Corinth and went on to Ephesus. While there, false apostles came in to subvert Paul’s leadership and claimed credit for the church themselves. Paul explained to the Corinthians that he was boasting about what God had done in Paul’s area of influence, while his opponents exalted themselves. There is a key difference and it shows who knows the gospel and their mission.
Jesus said he will build his church but he has also given each of us an area of influence. Let’s pray that we can boast about what God has done in our area of influence and not take the credit ourselves. Let us also pray that we are less concerned with the boasting of others in themselves. May we concern ourselves in preaching the gospel in lands beyond us, like the supermarket or the street we live on. That way, the gospel will be lived out. In Christ alone, our hope is found.
Dear Lord, thank you for the cross and for the price you paid. You alone can boast of any greatness so help us to exalt you, not ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church