2 Corinthians 4:1-15
1Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.
8We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. 11For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. 12So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—“I believed, and so I spoke” —we also believe, and so we speak, 14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. 15Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
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I was listening to a podcast recently and the subject of tipping philosophy came up. The show’s guest shared that he tips generously, no matter what. And the show’s host asked, but what if you got really lousy service? “I leave an amazing tip,” he replied.
The host was incredulous—why reward bad behavior? And then the guest explained: People know when they’ve done a bad job. They know when they’ve messed up. Maybe there’s a reason, maybe the server is having one of the worst days of her life; I don’t know the circumstances. If I leave an epic tip, my hope is to create a chain reaction.
Now the server’s day just got a little better. She knows she didn’t deserve that tip, but she got it anyway. That’s going to impact how she interacts with her customers—influencing in turn the tips they give her and their mood when they leave. When the server gets off work, her state of mind is going to affect how she connects with her friends and family. Ultimately, I’m not even leaving the tip for her, but for a ripple effect of positivity that cascades as she touches another person, who touches another person, and so on. That’s the universe I want to live in! Now think, what would’ve happened if I had left a meager tip?
How can you become a light in the darkness? Don’t worry about justice, focus on grace—extend it to more and more people, to increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
Prayer: Gracious God, grant us the strength to let our light shine before others by giving of ourselves and speaking your truth, especially when it’s not easy. May we choose to freely give love, forgiveness, understanding, and grace throughout our days.
—Amy Strasheim