“We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.”
2 Corinthians 6:3-4 NLT
The Apostle Paul writes with deep sincerity about the responsibility carried by those who serve Christ. Ministry is not merely about words spoken or positions held; it is about lives lived in such a way that the message of Christ is never discredited. This is a sobering and beautiful picture of true ministry. It is not self-promoting, self-protecting, or self-serving. Instead, it is marked by integrity, endurance, and a life that reflects the character of Christ. That has to be a challenge for any Christian today, not just ministers. Can we pilgrims honestly say that we, too, tick all the boxes that Paul did?
Paul’s first concern was that nothing in his life would become a stumbling block. True ministers understand that people often encounter Christ through what they see in His servants. Conduct and attitudes matter. How often do we see Christians mouthing off about the government, or about the local council not picking up litter, or something similar? There is also the question about what goes on in secret behind closed doors, perhaps on a computer, then no one is watching. Faithfulness in hidden places matters.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16). There was a famous quotation attributed to St Francis of Assisi – “Preach the Gospel and if necessary use words”. Whether this was something he said is not the point. The question for ministers and Christians everywhere is whether our words and deeds align. Is there a disconnect between what goes on in a Sunday service and around the office coffee machine on a Monday morning? A common criticism aimed at Christians concerns hypocrisy, and, sadly, it is true sometimes. Whether we like it or not, people generally will carefully watch someone who claims to be a Christian. If a Godly character shines out, then something will happen through the Holy Spirit. Part of my testimony concerns watching how Christian husbands and fathers at a Christian conference behaved toward their wives and families. Their Godliness could be seen.
Paul continues by describing how true ministers reveal their authenticity: “…by patiently enduring troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind” (2 Corinthians 6:4). The mark of a genuine servant of God is not a comfortable life but endurance. Trials do not disqualify ministry, but they often validate it. Faithfulness under pressure shows that a person serves not for comfort, recognition, or reward, but for Christ Himself. There is a scripture in the Epistle of James that applies here. He reminded us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2, NLT). We may think that we are not ministers in the sense of church leadership, but equally, Christians everywhere have been commissioned to preach the Gospel, and by so doing, there will be opposition and troubles. Some people even maintain that if we, as Christians, are living lives of comfort, free of troubles, then we are not bothering the devil too much in what we say and do.
We pilgrims will be known not simply by what we say, but by who we are. Paul consistently points to character as evidence of authentic service. He wrote in Ephesians 5:10, “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord”. Peter put his finger on the issue when he wrote, “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when he judges the world” (1 Peter 2:12). We pilgrims are true ministers of the Gospel, but that is not just about preaching. The Gospel is a whole-life matter. For example, a church treasurer who handles finances transparently and honestly reflects godly character. Or a Christian business leader who treats his customers and staff with fairness and integrity demonstrates ministry in the world of commerce. A politician who stands up for Godly principles even when ridiculed by his peers will demonstrate the importance of integrity in government. And a pilgrim like us, who refuses to bow to the pressures of life by taking a shortcut at the supermarket checkout by “forgetting” to scan a bar code, brings a smile to God’s face.
Ultimately, we pilgrims reflect the One we serve. Paul understood that ministry was not about building his own reputation but about representing Jesus faithfully. A few days ago, we read, “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Jesus Himself modelled perfect ministry by serving, loving, enduring suffering, and remaining obedient to the Father. He said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
True Christians are known by lives that commend the gospel with lives of endurance, integrity, humility, and Christlike love. Our goal is simple and profound: that no one would stumble because of us, and that in everything we do, Jesus can be seen clearly. Whether in a pulpit, a workplace, a home, or a hospital room, true ministry happens wherever Christ is faithfully represented. May we each pursue this calling, which is to live, serve, and endure in such a way that our lives quietly and powerfully declare that we belong to Him, our wonderful and amazing Saviour.
Dear Father God. In all that we say and do, may You be honoured, this day and every day. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Being a Pilgrim 