2 Corinthians 6:1-10

This reconciliation and salvation is not for some hypothetical future. To think that is so is to take it in vain. It is for now, it is here. “In an acceptable time have I heard thee, in a day of salvation have I helped thee” (Is. 99:8). What is that “acceptable time,” that “day” but the day which has now dawned on us? and if we are its servants and ministers, we must show it in our lives. If we are the servants of God, we shall abound in all good at all times, so that that service shall commend itself inevitably to all men. No amount of endurance, troubles, difficulties and dangers, yes, not even punishment, imprisonment, scourging, and riots of the people, no labour, no hunger, no watching shall weary us, but through it all we shall exhibit the signs of the Christ, that wondrous knowledge and holiness, patience and goodness, that love unfeigned which marks the presence of the Spirit, and of this word of truth with man, and the power of God which it manifests. We shall have always at our back and at our front, in left hand and right hand the weapons, shield and armour which God’s perfection supplies; we shall be glorious, approved by man, and speakers of the truth, even whilst our opponents cry “scoundrels” and “deceivers”; in the midst of endless misconception, ignorance, and misunderstanding the world will accept us: life will be ours and joy, and abundant riches overflowing to the rest of mankind, that neither death nor poverty nor sore chastening can hide; for in the Christ we possess all things, because in the world we own — nothing!