A Walking Visual Aid of the Gospel

What does it mean to be a walking visual aid of the Gospel of Jesus?  That's what theologian N.T. Wright uses to describe what Paul is talking about in 2 Corinthians 4.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and tells them that we have this gospel, this treasure in jars of clay.  The reason is to show that this all-surpassing power comes from Jesus and not from us.  Then Paul goes on to discuss what happens when we are resolved to share the gospel, to let our lights shine for Him.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.  For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body."

Paul is telling the church in Corinth and us for that matter, that living for Jesus is not always easy.  There will be times when we are persecuted, struck down, hung out to dry, stabbed in the back, gossiped about, etc.  However, Paul counts this suffering for the Gospel a privilege, because its through his hardships that he joins with Jesus and his suffering on the cross and reveals to the world the life of Jesus.  In other words he knows how to suffer well.  He counts it all joy.  Its easy for us to praise God when life is good.  However, when life is "bad" do we still praise Him? 

The world needs to see believers who know what it means to suffer well for the sake of the Gospel.  We don't give in or throw in the towel.  We don't quit or whine and complain.  We know that whatever we are going through on this side of eternity is achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

I encourage you, to first read 2 Corinthians 4.  Second, consider your actions when things don't go exactly your way.  Understand what it means to suffer well, to not lose heart and maintain hope.  In doing so, you are showing the world what it means to be a walking visul aid of the Gospel of Jesus.