Does God Want Me to Share This?
From Chandler Olof
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
John 13:14
An example of humility within the Scriptures was brought to my attention recently. In 2 Corinthians 12:2, Paul mentions how he knew "a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven." This fourteen years ago is rather striking.
After lining up the timeline of when 2 Corinthians was written, scholars believe this event happened shortly after Paul’s conversion to Christ. Paul hints at why he did not mention this event until now back in Chapter 11. See, even though the Corinthian Church had repented of their sins, Paul brought up in his first letter to them, they were now being exploited by “super apostles.” These were people who were boasting about all the spiritual things they encountered and/or all the sufferings they were going through for Christ.
Paul undermines these false apostles by clarifying how he, the one who preached the Gospel to them, boasts not in the things he’s done or seen (which indeed have been great and many), but in what Christ Jesus has done for him!
This stood out to me because I love talking about God. I love learning about Him and hearing what others know about Him too. Paul would have had my ear about this man who saw the third heaven. But he didn’t find this worth mentioning to anyone. In fact, he began to see how the Corinthian church loved hearing these stories to a fault (I pray I am not like this!) and they began entertaining people who were preaching a different Jesus.
Perhaps God knew that the Corinthian church would’ve exalted Paul beyond what was right because of the many revelations. (See 2 Corinthians 12:7) Surely, it is good to have revelations, but it is good for your relationship with the Lord. Even though we may desire the conversation, it may be detrimental to those around us. If I claim to have a vision, I can’t necessarily prove it. People will have to either believe or not believe. But Paul would rather live in an undeniable way, which is to let others see the power of Jesus on him through a changed life. (See 2 Corinthians 12:6)
In what way does it benefit you for me to claim that I had a vision? Doesn’t it just paint me in a spiritual light? But it would benefit you greatly for me to live as a bondservant of Christ, who obeys his Master in everything He tells him.
Of course, there is a time and place for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1); even Paul brought up the 14-year-old event to show them a better way to talk about spiritual things. This was led by the Holy Spirit for their growth. And that’s the difference!
We ought to ask God what He would have us say in any situation, so that the one we’re talking to might be built up. Beware those who talk mostly of their spiritual exploits, who want to be regarded as “super apostles” because they are out for themselves. Instead, let Christ, your first love, fuel you into obedience. Love you, Church!
