Have you ever bragged on someone before they did the act based on their desire to do what is right? How did it turn out? Did you talk to them ahead of time to let them know a test was coming and people were watching to see what they would do? Did they arise to the occasion or did they stumble? You might be surprised, it happens more often than you would think. This is what Paul has done here concerning the Corinthians.
(2 Corinthians 9:2 TNIV) For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.
It would almost seem that faith in the other person is required to do such a thing or could it be Paul caught a glimpse of what God was doing and therefore saw this test for the Corinthians as a minor obstacle because God was behind it all. If that were the case then the test was not only for the Corinthians but for Paul as well. The problem is introduced when the bragging comes from human pride, this never turns out well. It may not show up as a problem at first but the trap has been set and the fall will come. This I know for one reason only, in this case your eyes have been taken off of what God is doing and your dependence is no longer on the heavenly but the earthly.
(Proverbs 16:18 TNIV) Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
In all of life’s issues and questions Jesus is consistently the way through. When facing a problem drawing closer to Jesus is the answer. What was the difference in Paul’s boasting and the boasting of an unbeliever? Motivation. Notice I didn’t say because Paul was a Christian or a follower of Christ because even a Christian who loves God the eyes of that person can all too easily be taken off of God and put back on the flesh. It requires daily training and practice crucifying the flesh and a solid prayer life to keep our motivation in check but the reward is freedom in the spirit. Things that before led to difficulties and hardship now open the door through faith in Jesus to new possibilities but it becomes ever more vital that you step where and when the Holy Spirit says to, for we still cannot know the things of the spirit unless we allow God to open our spiritual eyes and ears for the purpose of His glory (read what happened to Peter in Acts chapter 10).
(Psalms 15:1-5 TNIV) A psalm of David. LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy mountain? Those whose walk is blameless, who do what is righteous, who speak the truth from their hearts; who have no slander on their tongues, who do their neighbors no wrong, who cast no slur on others; who despise those whose ways are vile but honor whoever fears the LORD; who keep their oaths even when it hurts; who lend money to the poor without interest and do not accept bribes against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.
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