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Today's Pathway: II Corinthians 6:8-10 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Yesterday we saw Paul spelling out some of the characteristics of his life that validated his ministry. We saw nine "negative" things that he had endured, and nine "positive" attributes that he exemplified. In today's passage he mentions nine more aspects of his work. Each of these items is presented as a paradox, yet when they are understood they give a very clear picture of the conflicting ways that Paul was viewed, and also the contrast between the spiritual accomplishments of his ministry and the difficulties of the life that he had to live in order to achieve them. William MacDonald described these verses this way,

"Paul describes some of the sharp contrasts that are found in service for the Lord Jesus. The true disciple experiences the mountain tops and the valleys, as well as all the territory that lies between."

In verse 8 Paul is describing the three ways people reacted to his ministry. By the way, this is still true today. If we are truly ambassadors for Christ, we will also receive these responses. First, when the Gospel was preached, some of the hearers honored him and some dishonored him. In addition, we know that God honored Paul's ministry, but many of those that heard him despised him. It is difficult when someone tries to serve the Lord and most people reject him. Yet it is a blessing when some respond, and appreciate the effort that has been put into them. But, while men might not honor the servant of the Lord, God always does. Paul wrote in Romans 2:10 that God would give,

"glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good."

"Judged from the viewpoint of this age he was a deceiver, intent on some purpose of his own, misleading and hoodwinking his converts. Judged from the viewpoint of eternity he was known to be true, and building the temple of truth."

In verse 9 Paul adds to the paradoxes he has faced. He was unknown, yet well known. The world as a whole did not know about him. But in Romans 16 Paul greets numerous believers who did know him. Obviously, those who received his epistles knew of him. And most importantly, God knew him. Next he writes that he was dying, but yet was still alive. Paul wrote earlier,

"I die daily" (I Corinthians 15:31).

"Paul was beaten within an inch of his life many times, but he was immortal until his work on earth was done."

In verse 10 Paul mentions three more things. He had much cause for sorrow throughout his life, but he also had great rejoicing because of his relationship with the Lord, and also because of the lives that he saw changed as a result of his preaching. He was poor financially, but he made many others rich spiritually. Going along with that, he had nothing of this world's possessions, but he had everything that he could ever want or need in Christ. Paul encouraged us in this by writing,

"All things are yours".

Being an ambassador for Christ can be difficult, but when we are doing the Lord's work the blessings will far outweigh the challenges.