Romans 15:14-21, Paul's Work as a Missionary

 ¹⁴My friends, I am sure that you are very good and that you have all the knowledge you need to teach each other. ¹⁵But I have spoken to you plainly and have tried to remind you of some things. God was so kind to me! ¹⁶He chose me to be a servant of Christ Jesus for the Gentiles and to do the work of a priest in the service of his good news. God did this so that the Holy Spirit could make the Gentiles into a holy offering, pleasing to him.
    ¹⁷Because of Christ Jesus, I can take pride in my service for God. ¹⁸In fact, all I will talk about is how Christ let me speak and work, so that the Gentiles would obey him. ¹⁹Indeed, I will tell how Christ worked miracles and wonders by the power of the Holy Spirit. I have preached the good news about him all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum. ²⁰But I have always tried to preach where people have never heard about Christ. I am like a builder who doesn't build on anyone else's foundation. ²¹It is just as the Scriptures say,
   "All who haven't been told
   about him
   will see him,
   and those who haven't heard
   about him
   will understand."

I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker recently...about a project we wanted to launch. He said "this is a great opportunity for us. People are watching!"

Huh? Is that why we tackle new projects and opportunities...so we look good for others?

We live in a day where we all want to take credit. We're offended if we accomplish something and nobody notices...so we make certain to tell them ourselves...just in case somebody else might get the credit. Of course, it lacks dignity...taking credit for somebody else's accomplishments.That doesn't stop many of us.

As Paul begins to close out this letter he brings his life into perspective. He says In fact, all I will talk about is how Christ let me speak and work..., I will tell how Christ worked miracles and wonders by the power of the Holy Spirit". He didn't want to take any credit for what Christ had done. Paul's focus throughout his ministry was ensuring that Christ got all the credit for everything he did. It also happens that he did a great deal. coincidence? Probably not...

Somebody's watching alright, it's just not the boss down the hall...

Live boldly out there today...