Title: Keep Yourself
2 Corinthians (43) Guard Yourself (2 Corinthians 11:1-6)
< Refrain from boasting >
Fair criticism is necessary for a healthy society, but beware of criticalism. Critics often say, “Be history conscious!” But the problem is that they do not understand the true lesson of history that there is no example of criticalism being creative. History writes 'righteous people', but not 'people who are righteous only in words'.
Self-proclaimed righteous people have one bad thing in common. It is not trying to get recognition for its actions, fruits, or content, but to use slanderous or profane words from time to time. If you don't make real bragging rights, you just point your finger at someone and exalt yourself with your words, who will recognize him? The problem is ‘criticism for self-pride’. The Apostle Paul warns the Corinthians not to have such a problem.
Just look at Jesus and live like the bride of Jesus. Do not seek miracles, gifts, or blessings before the Lord. No matter how great a miracle, a gift, or a blessing, if you put it first, you become like Eve who was tempted by the tree of knowledge (verse 3). The Apostle Paul refers to ‘bragging about spirituality’ as ‘the evidence of a corrupt heart that departs from the sincere and pure faith in Jesus.’ Therefore, stay away from a life that boasts of spirituality, and quickly avoid people who boast of spirituality. Otherwise, your heart will gradually become corrupted and you will perish.
< Protect yourself >
In the Gospel of John 6, when Jesus performed the miracle of five fish, thousands of people flocked to make Jesus a king, and to take even a picture of Jesus. Then Jesus went to the mountain to escape the crowd (John 6:15). Then the crowd should realize where Jesus' will is, take care of themselves, and refrain from such actions, but the next day they flocked to Jesus again.
In the end, Jesus spoke painful words to the ups and downs of the crowd. “You are looking for me because of the bread! Do not work for the food that perishes, but work for the food of eternal life.” Then the people asked. "Jesus! What is God’s work for the bread of eternal life?” Then Jesus answered. “It is God’s work to believe in me.” what do you mean? The reason that people flocked to Jesus after seeing the miracle of the five fish is an attitude to get bread, not an attitude to believe in Jesus.
In the end, the multitude of people who came after hearing Jesus' words that stabbed the corner of the world almost left Jesus and only the 12 disciples were left. Then Jesus said to them. “Will you also leave?” Then Peter said. “Where shall we leave the Lord, who is the word of eternal life?” (John 6:68) How much comfort were those words to the Lord? The Lord did not want the majority who came to Jesus after a sign, but 12 disciples who followed the Word.
Attracting people as a sign is typical of the ‘other gospel’, which is the most contrary to the will of Jesus. How are you today? Rather, they use targets to attract people. In other words, when Jesus saw the signs, he even defeated the crowds, but the false shepherds use signs to draw people to them, and even make false signs. That is the ‘other gospel’ that is contrary to the will of the Lord.
People judge people through outward words and numbers, but God looks at the heart. Only when you can see the center can you protect yourself without falling for heresy and false teachers. Now beware of spiritual bragging and stay away from people who boast of spirituality. Don't put too much value on numbers or looks. What is important is the center and the content. Guard your soul, your happiness, and your blessings with that central and inward view.