We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 2 Corinthians 6:3
I have had the privilege of leading churches now for over thirty years. During that time I have been shocked at how people who have had what we would say significant and prominent global ministries have fallen into sin. Each situation commented on endlessly by all media platforms. I myself watched a YouTube video recently of a person speaking about the lessons to be learnt following the posthumous revelations of a very influential Christian leaders sexual behaviour.
Without intending to pass judgment on these individuals, these actions confirm a belief that exists among most people, both Christian and non-Christian, that the conduct of a ‘minister’ ought to be consistent with the content of his/her ‘message.’ There are also many who believe that the Church and its ministry are discredited by the behaviour of those who are its leaders and members. Conversely, the message can be enhanced by the godliness, humility, and self-sacrifice of those who proclaim the gospel of Christ crucified.
Whether those who you have read about have been living in a way that undermines the message or in some way brings reproach on the name of Christ is for each person to decide. But the fact remains that how we as Christians conduct ourselves in the sight of others has massive repercussions on their assessment of the gospel we preach.
No one knew this better than the apostle Paul. In fact, most of 2 Corinthians is concerned with his conduct and whether or not it condemns or commends him as a genuine apostle of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 is perhaps the most explicit example of this in the entire book. So to verse 3.
Although the ESV translates the words as “we put”, the present tense of the Greek should probably be rendered something along the lines of “we are trying to put no obstacle in anyone’s way.”
This is the consistent and committed character of Paul’s apostleship. There simply are no circumstances under which he would act in any other way. There is never, ever an excuse for speaking or “ministering” in such a fashion that “fault” may be found with the good news of the gospel in Jesus Christ.
Paul’s preeminent concern is with the “ministry” God had entrusted to him, not his own reputation or position or influence. The only self-commendation he cares for is as a “servant” of God. He is more than willing to be slandered and ridiculed, beaten and imprisoned, just so long as the good news of Christ crucified suffers no reproach.
The word translated to find “fault” (ESV) or be “discredited” (NASB) is a word that is strangely related to a name given to the Greek god of ridicule or mockery. Paul wants nothing in his life to be used by others as an excuse for laughing at the truth. If offense is to be taken at the gospel, let it be because of the content of what he proclaims and not anything in his own life.
The “obstacle” or cause for offense is any questionable action or way of speaking that would prompt people to doubt Paul’s integrity or sincerity and so bring the gospel he preached into disrepute or cause it to be ridiculed or rejected. Paul also might have in mind anything on his part that would hinder their acceptance of him or their fellowship with one another or their commitment to proclaim and advance the gospel.
Honestly though, there is no guarantee that in conducting himself or ourselves properly that Paul (or we) will avoid the condemnation, rejection or ridicule of others.
Paul puts this into context where he has previously said to the Church in Corinth that the gospel is foolish to those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18). A stumbling block to the Jews (1 Corinthians 1:23) and folly to the Gentiles (1 Corinthians 1:23). He, and therefore we, should be careful therefore not to put any obstacle in anyone’s path. In short “watch your personality.”
Although not apostles, you and I are “servants of God” and have a “ministry” no less so than Paul. What “obstacles” do we put in the way of others seeing the glory of God revealed in the face of Jesus Christ? Do they find “fault” with your life? Or, are they curious about why you turned from your old ways to follow Jesus? Are they intrigued by your passion for the beauty of God and your disdain for unnecessary and unseemly trivialities of this World?
When they speak of you behind your back, do they speak well at your contentment or gossip about you for just being like the rest.
Is it obvious in the way you talk and work and live, that your happiness and contentment is rooted in and cannot be explained in merely earthly terms, but is found in God?
To live in such a way that makes God look good is costly. Treasuring him above all may not impress well the ambitious and materialistic ethos of our day. But it pays a rich and eternal reward.
Let us never forget that the gospel itself is more than sufficient to offend self-centred and arrogant sinners. It is also able to save without you. Actually as hard as this may sound God does not need you, but chooses to use you. It is always true that the life of the Christian is the most eloquent advertisement for the gospel!
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