There Are People Only You Can Reach!

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There Are People Only You Can Reach!

2 Corinthians 10:13 “But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.

There are people only you can reach!

Envy is a vice that can cause great damage. It reaches into the heart of relationships and creates much havoc. Like a mouse squeezing into a home through the tightest places, this trait can even find its way into Christian circles and fruitful ministries.

The Corinthian church suffered the aftermath of envious leaders who infiltrated their midst after their spiritual father, the Apostle Paul, journeyed on to other places. Self-proclaimed apostles who lusted after power took charge of the congregation and began to deride Paul’s authority. By finding fault and casting doubt they convinced the Corinthians that Paul did not have their best interests at heart.

This was damaging to the integrity of the gospel message and a crushing heartbreak for Paul who loved the Corinthians deeply.

Within the letter of 2 Corinthians Paul seeks to defend his apostleship and uncover the real enemy behind the false apostles’ tactics. Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light, worked in and through these envious men to gain control of the unsuspecting church members. Paul sought to reveal that their real motives were not based on love, but on the desire to enslave, devour, and take advantage of the situation. They wanted control and glory.

As Paul pleads with the Corinthian church he assures them that his desire for their respect is different. He is acting within the sphere of influence that God had given to him. He was the first to preach the gospel among them and his ministry had brought them to Christ, so he felt a responsibility for their spiritual welfare. He argued that he wasn’t trying to usurp other men’s positions, but was only doing the job and preaching the message that God had given him. He had never taken advantage of them as these false leaders were doing, but instead served lovingly free of charge.

Within the church today leaders still struggle with envy. It is easy to look at another person’s ministry success and compare it to our own. While there is nothing wrong with helping each other, it is important to remember that God has given us each our own sphere of influence. By enviously encroaching on another’s area of service for the wrong reasons we can miss opportunities that only we can fill. The world is a really big place and we are all needed to fulfill our mission if everyone is to be reached.

Paul knew that when a Christian worker focuses on his own God-given sphere of influence, people’s lives will be impacted and the circle of influence will grow in ever widening circles.

Are you enviously looking at the successful ministries of those around you and desiring to step in for the wrong reasons? Or are you asking God to show you whom you can reach in your sphere of influence?

The world needs you because …

There are people only you can reach!

Love,

Mama

2 Comments

  1. Megs on March 22, 2016 at 9:09 AM

    Amen! Envy can cause us to neglect the people right within our reach! Convicting!
    Happy Tuesday!
    Megs

  2. Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros on March 22, 2016 at 11:07 PM

    Great post, Sandy! I’m in agreement with what you state. “While there is nothing wrong with helping each other, it is important to remember that God has given us each our own sphere of influence. ” There is enough room for all of us to carry his word and his love throughout the world. Our own backyards are yearning and thirsting for God’s light. I can’t reach your neighborhood just like you can’t reach mine, but together we continue to build the bridge toward heaven. God bless you and thank you for linking up to Open Mic Monday for the soul at Cisneros Cafe. Your posts are always so truthful and encouraging. xoxo

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Hi, I'm Sandy! 

I write inspirational letters based on the Bible that share words of hope, encouragement, truth, and healing to my children and anyone else who longs for a mama's touch.

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