The Genuine Article (4:2)

4:1-2 "Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth COMMENDING OURSELVES TO EVERY MAN’S CONSCIENCE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD."

The early Christians lived lives that were so compelling, so gripped by Christ, so ready to give up earthly things for heavenly gain, so filled with unexplainable love that even non-believers who would not accept Christ admired them:

"Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God AND HAVING FAVOR WITH ALL THE PEOPLE." (Acts 2:46-47)

"But none of the rest [the unbelievers] dared to associate with them [the Christians]; however, the people held them in high esteem." (Acts 5:13)

Not everyone will accept Christ as a result of our testimony. But at least we want people to look at us and say, "That person is a real Christian." At least we want to live lives that compel men in their consciences (their pride may not allow them to ever say it outwardly) to recognize that God is in us, that we are filled with the Spirit of Christ.

This is how it was with the apostle Paul. The truth of God was so manifested in his life and ministry that he "commended himself to every man’s conscience."

And not only were the eyes of men able to see the sincerity and genuineness of his faith, but the truth was manifested in his life even before the all-seeing eyes of God: "commending ourselves...in the sight of God."

Not only is this not the case with most of us Christians today, many of us don’t even know someone who lives a compelling Christian life.

This is why we need to pray for revival. This is why we need to cry out to God to change us and grip us and take over our lives and empower us to live in the pattern of Paul and of Christ. There are so many who claim the Name, but so few whose lives are dominated by the reality.

Help us, Lord! Break us, cleanse us. Take the dimness of our souls away. Show us intensely our need for You. Empty us of ourselves and fill us with the Spirit of Your beloved Son. Shine in us, Lord! Show the world that You are God by the way Your people live.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way.
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.
(Adelaide A. Pollard, 1902)