Show Your Work

Daily Reading // 2 Corinthians 8:18-24

READY // SILENCIO

Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.

READ // LECTIO

Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.

REFLECT // MEDITATIO

Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?

2 Corinthians 8:20 (NKJV) avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us--

The Apostle Paul and his entourage went from place to place sharing the gospel, starting churches and discipline believers. But that’s not all they did.

They were also entrusted with a large financial gift to deliver to churches in great need in Judea. Paul had shared the need, encouraged giving and now was taking the collection to its intended recipients.

Paul saw the potential problem. He could actually be accused of keeping some of the money for himself. For that reason, he made sure to have many trusted companions that could vouch for the successful delivery of the whole gift.

To be trustworthy it’s not enough just to do the right thing. You also need to submit to people and processes of accountability. Like Paul, set them up and actually use them.

In math class, sometimes the teacher requires you to ‘show your work’. That way he or she knows you got to the right answer and used the right way to get there. If you did something wrong, it can be seen and corrected.

To be trustworthy I need to be willing to show my work. Just getting to the right answer isn’t enough. The process is important.

That’s how, like the Apostle Paul, I avoid blame.

RESPOND // ORATIO

Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.

Jesus, You give me everything I need for life, peace and godliness. You give me trusted companions and accountability for my own good. Thank You for Your goodness to me. Amen.

Tomorrow’s reading -> Psalm 42:1-11