Read Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:11-13
For I am not in the least inferior to the super
apostles, even though I am nothing (2 Corinthians 12:11b).
Words of Devotion
Hidden in verse 11 is a
remarkable paradox that is possible only for those who are true servants of
Christ. Notice how Paul puts it: I am not in the least inferior, he
says; and then in the next phrase, even though I am nothing. One statement
is,I am the equal of anybody; I am not inferior at all to these superlative
apostles; I have everything they have and more, while at the same time he
can say, yet I am nothing. That is the mark of a true servant of
Christ: the ability to say both of those things and for both of them to be
equally true. When Paul says, I am not inferior, he
means, Everything I am in Christ, everything that Christ can do through
me, makes me equal to anything they can do.
This is the attitude that
all Christians ought to come to about themselves: I can do everything
through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). If God tells me
to do something, I can do it. I can obey His word, I can follow His precepts. I
can do what He asks. There is a ringing note of confidence because you are
not relying on yourself, but on Christ. At the same time the apostle could add,
relying on myself, I am nothing. All my abilities, my gifts, and my natural
talents won't get me anywhere in God's sight. They are impressive to other
people, and I could fool a lot of people this way, but they are not at all
impressive in the eyes of God.
I wish I could get a lot
more Christians talking this way today, willing to say, if Christ tells me
to do something or to be something, then there is no limit to my ability to do
or be it, because He will provide the power. But in myself, trying to do
anything depending on my gifts, I will accomplish nothing of any value in God's
sight. Now that is the mark of a true servant of Christ! One of the ways
you can test the false apostles of our day is to listen carefully to what they
say about themselves. Do they claim anything is coming from them? Do they claim
to be remarkable people of remarkable ability, or are they talking about the
power coming from Christ? That is the big difference. By this, these
Corinthians should have recognized Paul.
Today Ask: Do I have growing
confidence in the power and Presence of Christ in me, so that my self-esteem is
becoming a non-issue?
Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank You that even though I am nothing,
I can do all things through Christ Amen
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