After reading this chapter over and again, my heart goes out to Paul and all who have been misunderstood and rejected, especially for Christ’s sake. 

Recall the last time your earnest intentions were drastically misconstrued – what was your immediate response? How long did you dwell in the disappointment, despair and dismay of feeling deeply wronged?

More often than not, even after having seen and heard firsthand God’s irrefutable truth, steadfast faith and belief do not follow. Those who have seen and heard allow themselves to be swept up, tossed to and fro, and swallowed up by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, because:

“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” – 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

In matters concerning God, far be it from us that there be found in us any trace of falsehood and selfishness. Yet, for the sake of defending and upholding the truth and authority of matters concerning God, against those who dispute and sow discord, boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. In so doing, we might be scarcely justified.

Calling us to imitate him as he imitates Christ, the measure of Paul’s sacrifice and denial of self is as close a mortal model of Christ Himself as the Bible provides. Can we too, like Paul, empty ourselves, make ourselves of no reputation, and through our lives, the testimonies of Christ’s power and perfection in our lack, point others to Christ?