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SEPTEMBER 20
ESTEEM IT AN HONOUR
“Wherefore we labour, that
whether present or absent,
we may be accepted of Him.”
(2Cor. 5:9)
The Greek word is “philotemeomaii,”
translated three times in
the New Testament, as labour,
study, and strive, yet it
literally means: TO ESTEEM
AS AN HONOUR. Let us note
all three cases.
It is a joy and a privilege
to daily so live that
whether we remain on earth,
or are taken into the realms
beyond the veil, our whole
desire is to be accepted of
Him. That we might be “to
the praise of the glory of
his grace, wherein He hath
made us accepted in the
Beloved.” (Eph. 1:6). “For
whether we live, we live
unto the Lord; and whether
we die, we die unto the
Lord: whether we live
therefore, of die, we are
the Lord’s. (Rom. 14:8).
“And that ye study to be
quiet, and to do your own
business, and to work with
your hands…” (1 Thess.
4:11). While to some it may
appear a bit humorous, it is
good instruction, and thus
the literal rendering would
be: “ESTEEM IT AN HONOUR TO
BE QUIET.” This is a far
different attitude than that
which desires to be
continually seen and heard.
The Psalmist declared, “Sure
I have behaved and quieted
myself, as a child that is
weaned of his mother: my
soul is even as a weaned
child.” (Ps. 131:2). Thus
quietness is a mark of
maturity. When our soul
realm is weaned – self no
longer demands attention, is
not constantly stirred up
and agitated, but we are at
rest in the Lord – one with
His Spirit, while He
“perfects that which
concerneth us.” Not only to
have a soul that is weaned,
quieted, but also our
spirit, for “a meek and
quiet spirit, is in the
sight of God of great
price.” (1 Pet. 3:4).
“Yea, so have I strived to
preach the gospel.” (Rom.
15:20). Again the more
literal rendering: “I ESTEEM
IT AN HONOUR TO PREACH THE
GOSPEL.” There is “good
news” to be declared, it is
a joy, a privilege, an
honour to speak of these
things to others. That God
would commit into us His
Word of reconciliation, that
we might “pray you in
Christ’s stead, be ye
reconciled to God.” (1 Cor.
5:20). To be His voice, His
messenger, to declare glad
tidings – it is an honour!
Ray Prinzing |
