Not Seeking The Flattery Of Men

For neither at any time used we

flattering words, as ye know,

nor a cloke of covetousness; 

God is witness: nor of men

sought we glory, neither

of you, nor yet of others,

when we might have been

burdensome, as apostles

of Christ. But we were gentle 

among you, even as a nurse

cherisheth her children;

so being affectionately desirous 

of you, we were willing to have

imparted unto you, not the 

Gospel of God only, but also our 

own souls, because ye were dear 

unto us.

1Thessalonians 2:5-8

     Paul avoided flattery a thing not so often seen by preachers and teachers that attempt to glow in flattery from others. Sincerity is missing that was not missing by Paul for he preached Jesus Christ crucified. Paul did attempt to gain an interest in men's affections for themselves or others and by this Paul did not flattery men in their sins with vain hopes, or indulge them in any evil work. Today there are so-called "Christian" denominations that approve of homosexuality, same-sex marriage and a host of other sins clearly condemned in Scripture both Old and New Testament. We have to be careful in our approval of men who are godly for even then deceit can arise and interfere with the simplicity of the Gospel. You see many attempt approval and lose sight of the simplicity of faithfulness and our trust and faith simply in Jesus Christ our God and Savior. Vain glory last but a minute and is soon forgotten after we are gone, it is more than fleeting, it is vainity for a momentary self-aggrandizement that infects and affects our relationship with Jesus Christ. 

     Jesus our greatest example trusted no man: yet He was never suspicious, never bitter, never in despair about any man, because He put God first in trust; He trustee absolutely in what God's grace could do for any man (John 2:24-25). Trusting in human beings first will cause a person to end up in despair, even despair of everyone. Bitterness comes when trust is lost or misapplied for a person insists upon a person being what no man can become and that is absolutely right. Mildness and tenderness is greatly recommended and is conformable to God gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the Gospel. Be ready to do good and to love your brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. Do good to all, even those who are not a brother or sister. It is this love of God that brings forth good fruit and blessings. 

     Many find it easier to do something for God than to trust in God. We find ourselves in a panic mode and think that this is inspiration. There are so many who are fellow workers for God and few fellow workers with God. This is a lack of trust in God and even a possibility of thinking that God must do what I can't do or that God will not do what I can do. This is a whishy-washy faith and trust. Despair is when a person loses sight that in their own realization of God's power in their lives has dimmed and place the realization upon what they have done and not give to God His wonderful due for doing what is necessary for a person. Keeping a close relationship with God, with Jesus Christ will keep a person from just relying on common sense, even common religious sense, for they come to believe that with just a little more Bible reading, a little more prayer, attending more meetings, more devotion, while all important they are not to take the place of living the life of a child of God. Keep your relationship tight with God, with Jesus Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to operate through and with you. You are to manifest the Gospel in any way possible. 

     Paul and the other apostles labored long and hard to bring the Gospel to others, so, why are we not doing the same. We are in place today of the Apostles, we have the same work, to preach, teach, to live daily, momentarily, the Gospel. Preach the Gospel of God!

Moreover he said unto me, 

    Son of man, all my words

that I shall speak unto thee

    receive in thine heart, and

hear with thine ears. and go, 

    get thee to them of the 

captivity, unto the children 

    of they people, and speak

unto them, and tell them, 

    'Thus saith the Lord God; 

whether they will hear, or

    whether they will forbear.

                 Ezekiel 3:10-11

Speak the Gospel today to someone

Richard L. Crumb