“We have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God.”  -2 Corinthians 4:7

(Note:  Dr. Dan, made the following presentation to the DWM groups this month based on 2 Corinthians 4-6. Below is a portion of that presentation).

How do we grade a Christian?  How do we know if a Christian is being a Christian?

In school, for instance, we give grades.  Other times, we post reviews on social media.  Or we look at a person’s credentials.  His or her education, training.  Or we evaluate how well a person completes his job description.

But what about a Christian? How is a Christian evaluated?  Do we carry a job description. Such as: “A Christian shall accept the responsibility of serving Jesus a minimum of 12 hours a week.  Half of these hours must be direct contact.  A Christian will memorize the Great Commission.  In addition, a Christian will be required to complete 6 hours of continuing education to include some of the following: Bible Study, DWM meetings, participation in extracurricular activities such as bells, choir, or committee volunteerism.

Or do we submit a resume?   Such as: “A Christian will have completed two years of bible study and/or attendance in worship.  A Christian will be fluent in:  Greek, Hebrew, or English language theology. Bi-lingual a plus, but not required.

Or do let everyone know our accomplishments.  Like Paul, for instance, who wrote to the Philippians: “…If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: ⁵circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.”

In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul outlines a different way. Check out the 8 criterion he teaches.

 1.  Our ministry changes lives.  (2 Corinthians 3:2) You want to know a good teacher, look at her students.  

2.  God makes us competent.  “Our competence is from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5) 

3.  We speak with sincerity.  Even though we know our words may be rejected, we keep speaking the truth (2 Corinthians 2:17) And? We don’t hold secrets (2 Corinthians 4: 2).

4.  We spread the “aroma’ of Christ” wherever we go (2 Corinthians 2:14-15).

5.  We preach salvation, not condemnation.  We speak a Gospel! (2 Corinthians 3:9).

6. God approves of us!  Minter writes:  “I care what people think, but I’m more concerned with what God thinks.”

7.  We are strongest when we are weak (2 Corinthians 4:7ff)

8.  We keep perspective. We don’t focus on momentary afflictions. We keep our focus on “an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure.”  (2 Corinthians 4:17)

How do you measure up?                                                -Dan, November 2022

Click here to read the rest of the November 2022 Messenger