2 Corinthians 2:17
The scripture for today is 2 Corinthians 2:17
2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
As representatives of the kingdom of God, it is our responsibility to ensure that the word that we speak is a pure word, not polluted with the amusements of the world. The purpose of preaching is not to entertain, but to edify the church and glorify God. “Neither is it the object of preaching to amuse. Some ministers have adopted a style of preaching that has not the best influence. It has become a habit with them to weave anecdotes into their discourses. The impression thus made upon the hearers is not a savor of life unto life. Ministers should not bring amusing stories into their preaching. The people need pure provender, thoroughly winnowed from the chaff. “Preach the word,” was the charge that Paul gave to Timothy, and this is our commission also. The minister who mixes story-telling with his discourses is using strange fire. God is offended, and the cause of truth is dishonored, when His representatives descend to the use of cheap, trifling words.” Ellen G. White, The Review and Herald, December 22, 1904
Ministry is also not to be entered for personal gain, but rather for service to God; it is a "calling," not a "career." “A man corrupts the Word of God when he considers it primarily as a means of making a livelihood, when he tempers either its goodness or its severity, when he eases the high requirements it makes of Christians, or when he preaches himself, his cleverness, or his own learning. Thus he makes the Word minister to him, instead of ministering the Word.” The SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 842
We have a high honor, and that honor is to represent our Heavenly Father on this earth. We, His church, have been ordained to proclaim His goodness and salvation to those who are yet in darkness. Through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we will “speak in the sight of God in Christ.”
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim