Let’s come before the LORD first.
Lord Jesus, forgive us for trusting in outward appearances, titles, works, or human approval more than Your righteousness. Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight, and make us faithful ambassadors of reconciliation. Amen.
Out of My Mind for Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Paul describes what it means to live by faith and not by sight. He knew this earthly body was temporary, and he longed to be at home with the Lord. Yet while still living in the body, he understood something sobering: we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ and receive what is due for what we have done, whether good or bad.
Paul knew the fear of the Lord.
Here was a man once considered righteous according to the Law of Moses, yet after meeting Christ, he understood that his own righteousness was not enough. The righteousness he once carried was not the righteousness of God. Only God is truly righteous, and no one will pass by the judgment seat of Christ unnoticed.
Paul wanted others to turn away from what is merely seen—the pride of the world, outward appearance, status, and reputation—and turn toward what is unseen: the heart God sees.
I Love it when Paul says, “If we are out of our mind, as some say, it is for God.” I would rather be considered out of my mind for Christ than be praised for having a “right mind” shaped by the world.
Now we are ambassadors for Christ.
Some may outwardly appear to be janitors, waitresses, teachers, police officers, linemen, soldiers, lawyers, parents, caregivers, or servants in hidden places. But inwardly, we are clothed with Christ. God is making His appeal through ordinary people who belong to an extraordinary King.
We carry the message of reconciliation: be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, the One who had no sin, yet became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Prayer of Repentance
Lord Jesus, forgive me for trusting in my own righteousness, reputation, or good works. Forgive me for caring too much about what people see and too little about what You see in my heart. Make me a faithful ambassador for You. Clothe me in Your righteousness, and help me live by faith and not by sight. Amen.