2 Corinthians 2:12 - 3:18. ‘Do be do be do’
When Frank Sinatra sang his hit song ‘Strangers in the Night’ in the sixties he finished the song with what were thought to be the meaningless melodic sounds ‘Do be do be do.’ However these two words, ‘Do’ and ‘Be’ are very profound and together sum up what God wants to see in all his people. He wants us both to ‘be’ and to ‘do.’
New Testament
When Paul wrote his second letter to the troubled church at Corinth, he explained how his own coming to faith in Christ resulted in new priorities in what he was to ‘do.’
“I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ” 2 Corinthians 2:12
“. . . and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“ . . . we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.” 2 Corinthians 2:17
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant.” 2 Corinthians 3:6
Paul contrasts the glorious message of the forgiveness of sin and the power to live Christ-like lives with the harsh ethics of teaching the Jewish law which can only bring guilt and condemnation.
“Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, . . . will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!” 2 Corinthians 3:7-9
How all Christians need to wake up and recognise that we have all been called to this ministry of sharing Christ.
However living for Christ is not only achieved by what we say and do - it will also be seen in what we are.
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
This idea that Christians should be both ‘do-ers’ and ‘be-ers’ was going round in my mind when I started to read 2 Corinthians chapters 4 and 5 and realised that this is just what Paul keeps repeating here.
Do
Paul starts by reminding the Corinthian church that all Christians should be involved in sharing the gospel.
“Therefore, since through God’s mercy, we have this ministry,” 2 Corinthians 4:1
Be
Paul then brings the ‘doing’ and ‘being’ together. He admits spreading the message about Jesus, is at times hard and disappointing, he will not use underhand methods to achieve good results. Integrity does matter as what we are is the essence of being spiritual.
“Therefore, since through God’s mercy, we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyman’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:1-2
Do
Paul now returns to the need for Christians to evangelise.
“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
God has called all of his people to be a holy people and this will include the longing to share the gospel with those around us.
