“Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:11-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Any minister who is truly called by God will have a healthy dose of the fear of God. Our reverence and awe of God causes us to persuade others to believe and turn from their sin. Ministry isn't about appeasing the listeners, pandering to the populous, or trying to be politically or socially correct. True, authentic ministry is knowing the coming judgment of God and preaching salvation through Jesus Christ. I, for one, am not interested in spectacular presentations, top of the line entertainment, or the self-help, feel good motivational gospel. I want to know Him and make Him known. Harnessing and utilizing effective methods to present the truth isn't sinful but we can never replace the unadulterated preaching of the truth. The truth will set us free. It must always be about Him. He is the Truth. We must never compromise the truth in order to gain in numbers and be thought successful because of how popular our message is. I'm all for getting the masses in to hear the truth, but not just to make them feel good. Religion, by itself, is nothing more than a form or fashion. Nothing can replace the preaching of God's Word. When we are truly set free by Jesus Christ, we will be passionate about others coming to know Him as well. It is high time for the pulpit and the pew to rise up and proclaim to everyone the good news of Jesus Christ. Time is not on our side. We must tell men the truth while we have the chance. Eternity is at stake. This is not a game! Jesus is the ONLY WAY!!!

Prayer for today: Father, I believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I will stand unashamed of Him in this world.