2 Corinthians 5:11-13 - Motivtaed by the fear of the Lord

Conscious that everyone would have to give account of the responsibility entrusted by Christ, Paul gave everything he had to serve the people. He lived his life conscious of that impending judgment before Christ. Paul had no fear for he had always lived his life with a healthy respect for the Lord. Paul was sure that if they, the Corinthians, could realize that he gave great consideration for the coming judgment of Christ, they would be able to see that he ministered according to God’s desire and not for personal aggrandizement.

As far as he knew, Paul was sure that he had diligently persuaded everyone to be a Christian and to remain one.  As believers in Christ, who could appraise for themselves, Paul didn’t see why the Corinthians should not be able to accept him and be satisfied with the way he had discharged his ministerial obligation. They knew about his traveling, his miracles and his suffering, and also the coming judgment seat of Christ, and how his life was controlled by Christ’s love. Thus he was sure that they could be proud of him and be able to vouch and defend him against the criticism leveled at him by his critics. Paul would rather not boast about himself but let the Corinthians boast about him.

We do not know what the critics were saying, but the Corinthians did. Verse 13 implied that his critics boast of their position probably because they were emissaries of the Jerusalem council.  But to Paul, what’s important is the heart. For that’s what Christ would be examining on the judgment seat. Paul wanted them to know that when his work and ministry seemed crazy and outrageous to them, it’s because of his devotion to God. But as far as his concern toward the Corinthians, he had always ministered with the right attitude and mind. He had always acted sensibly, rationally and soberly toward them, and hence worthy of their confidence.  

Let’s develop a healthy respect for God. And as proverbs said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom.” When we honor God the way He should be honored, we will serve Him and His people the way He would love us to offer our service. As a reminder let’s hear what Paul said in Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”