Being real

In all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses. — 2 Corinthians 6:4

An antique dealer thought the wrinkled old baseball card she found might be worth $10. After posting it on e-Bay, she began to wonder if it might be more valuable than she had thought. She removed the posting and consulted a professional evaluator who confirmed that the photo on the 1869 card showed the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first professional baseball team in the US. The card sold for more than $75,000.

Mike Osegueda’s article in The Fresno Bee said that even though the card was creased and discolored, the most important thing was its authenticity — it was real.

Paul and his companions suffered greatly while spreading the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 6, he listed their outward trials, their inward traits, and their spiritual resources (vv. 4-7). Try to imagine the circumstances in which all these things interacted — beatings, patience, prison, kindness, distresses, love. Although broken physically, depleted emotionally, and tested spiritually, the authenticity of their faith in Christ clearly shone through. “As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (v. 10).

In our walk with Christ, there’s no substitute for spiritual authenticity — being real. — David McCasland

O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee,

Blessed Redeemer; pure as Thou art;

Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;

Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart. — Chisholm

READ: 2 Corinthians 6:3-11

There’s no substitute for being real.

The Bible in one year:

• Numbers 9-11

• Mark 5:1-20