WHEN MAN IS NOT PRESENT

1Corinthians 4:18-19

KJV 18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

Dear Believer, 

Reading the later part of 2 Corinthians shows us that Paul the Apostle could be angry and disappointed. He used some strong words while at the same time trying to be mild. He was clearly not happy with many of those people.

 One of the reasons for his disappointment was that these people whom he had led to Christ were turning away from the Gospel because they were listening to false teachers. These teachers were even speaking against Paul, and the Corinthians Believers were listening to them.

 The problem with many Believers is that they aren’t stable and loyal to God and their God-given leaders.  Some will be loyal and obedient only as long as the leaders are present. When they aren’t around, they just forget about them.

 In a bid to whittle down Paul’s authority as an apostle, many were saying he had no charisma, and his presence unimpressive. They said he was merely a good writer of letters and nothing more.

 2Corinthians 10:10 KJV

For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

 One of the attitudes Believers must avoid is that of eye service. Many serve zealously when their leaders are around. When no one is checking on them, they fall into indolence.

Ephesians 6:6 WEB

…not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

Those who serve to please men will not receive any reward for their service. They do this because they don’t see God and don’t realize that whether a man is there or not, God is there. This is an act of unbelief.

All believers must learn to be diligent in whatever we do whether there is supervision or not. We must live with the consciousness that God is present, and that His presence is real. If Believers live this way, they’ll never get into some of the bad things many are involved in.

I need to say that our children must be taught to perform their duties in the home and to God whether someone is looking on or not. Much of the attitude of laziness that many Believers exhibit began when they were children. This is why many find it very difficult to work without having someone breathe down their neck.

Dear friend, walk in the consciousness of the presence of God. Jesus is real. His presence is real. The Holy Spirit is real. A man may not be with you to oversee your attitude and actions, but you must live to please the Lord anyway.

One of the appellations of the Lord is Jehovah Shammah — The Lord Who is Present (Ezekie 48:35). He is always here.

And don’t forget, your body is the temple of God the Holy Spirit. He is with you and in you.

Be conscious of His presence always and live to please Him.

Have a beautiful day.

Your friend,

Deon.

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