Be Real

Paul didn't have an easy time being an ambassador of Christ. He was imprisoned, stoned, beaten, shipwrecked and ridiculed. Yet Paul is convinced that there is comfort in Christ, as Y'shua said in John 15.18ff and 16, especially 16.33. We will be persecuted because Y'shua the Christ was, but you will be comforted and find peace because Christ has overcome. And when we are comforted, and realize how to move along in our lives after troubles and tragedy, we can comfort others (1.4).

Why is Paul talking about this? Because he's letting the people in the Corinthian church know that as sufferings come (and they will if they haven't already), God will be with them. (v. 7). Paul is openly discussing his trouble, and comfort, to encourage the Corinthians to be open about their suffering, and encouragement from God.

What is typical in many churches today? Do we talk about our suffering and troubles? Often we present a perfect life. "How's it going?" "Great! No problems." These phrases are often heard on Sunday mornings. We think that, by showing the world that nothing's wrong, they'll be attracted to Christ. Instead, they take us for hypocrites and are repelled from getting to know Him. Why should they think He's real if we're not real?

Being an ambassador is tough (5.20) and maybe God thinks it's tough that He's got ambassadors like us to attract others, but it's the plan. There will be troubles and it's how we turn to Him that's an example to the rest of the world. So let's be real, and show them the way to God.