None Of Self And All Of Thee

The apostle Paul made a very important statement when he wrote to the church at Corinth. “For I seek not yours, but you”. (2 Cor. 12:14). We cannot help but to see Paul’s unselfishness, and his freedom from covetousness from this passage and many others to be noted. He told the elders at Ephesus, “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.” (Acts 20:33). He also wanted it to be known that he did not use a “cloak of covetousness.” (1 Thess.2:5b). To furnish proof of this fact, we have only to notice that Paul worked with his own hands to keep from being a burden to others. Paul did this work or labor to support himself and to help others as well. “Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.” (Acts 20:34). The fact of the matter is that Paul did not accept wages from the church at Corinth that he might not be a burden to them is proof enough that he could never be labeled selfish and an uncaring worker in the cause of Christ. From the many texts which show his unselfishness is proof that he believed the statement of Jesus which only he recorded for us. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35). Therefore he said “I seek not yours”.

Our attention is now turned to the other part of the verse “but you.” What a simple, yet beautiful way of denying any interest in material benefits, rather claiming a burning passion for the spiritual welfare of those to whom he is writing. He is inspired to use a family term to explain his feelings of love for the brethren there at Corinth. He wanted them to be provided for as though they were his own. “For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.” (2 Cor. 12:14b). The point is that Paul viewed himself as their father in the Gospel and that he was seeking their good because of this loving relationship. To another congregation he wrote, “As ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you.” (1 Thess. 2:11). Looking into the heart of Paul you find him with the care as described as one “gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherisheth her own children.” (1 Thess. 2:7). He was gentle! When we have the souls of others within our hands, we must remember that Jesus gave His life on Calvary for them, and we must exercise all the love, wisdom, and patience that is noticed in both Christ and Paul as we lead them to obey and follow Christ. That is when we cry, “None Of Self And All Of Thee.”

. . . . Fred House