“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In 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” 2 Corinthians 4:1-4.

From outward appearances, we belong to a declining movement. Statistically, the church in general is receding - attendance at services is diminished, many churches have “closed their doors,” and record numbers of pastors have left the ministry. If this is the true reality, we have every reason to be discouraged and defeated. Paul the apostle, however, did not see it that way. He viewed the ministry, not as his, but that given “by the mercy of God.” As such, he did not lose heart. That’s not to say he did not have moments of discouragement in which he “despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8), but he never “threw in the towel” and quit.

Some would say that desperate times call for desperate measures. Some churches in recent times have been known to resort to compromising actions and methods in their efforts to reach people. Paul faced such temptations, but notice his resolute stand: “we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” Desperate times call, not for desperate measures, but rather for a resolute stand with integrity. Such times were - and are - not times to water down truth, or resort to questionable tactics, but times to plainly and openly present truth so that others can determine in their own conscience what their response will be.

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3 are a challenge and encouragement to us. These are not times to compromise, retreat, and even quit. We have been entrusted with service and ministry, not of our own choosing, but the Lord’s. If it is His work, then it has His supply and progress as He sees fit. For that reason, we do not lose heart.

I’m often reminded of an old gospel song that states, “Listen, child of God, it's alive. Discouraged pastor, it's His church, and it's still alive. Lonely missionary, sow that seed with confidence, the church is still alive. Old saint, you're not alone or forgotten, the church is still alive. It’s alive, my broken-hearted friend, it's still alive.”

Throughout the ages, persecution has often driven the church underground and, in times of prosperity, its message has been watered down and accommodated to the culture and the times. But, amidst it all, there are those who have followed Paul’s example in plainly, clearly, and boldly declaring truth, and never becoming discouraged in doing, so “let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” Galatians 6:9.

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