June 12
“I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you,” 2 Corinthians 12:14.
When the apostle Paul came from Athens to Corinth, he boarded with a certain Jewish couple, Aquila and his wife Priscilla. We are told in Scripture that, “Because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers,” Acts 18:3. The occupation of Aquila and Priscilla was making tents. Paul was of the same trade.
During the week, Paul provided for his physical needs by working with his hands. In Corinth, as elsewhere, Paul provided for his needs through physical labor. At a later date, when Paul was traveling from place to place, he called for a meeting with the elders of Ephesus. He told them, “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me,” Acts 20:33-34. On the Sabbath days, Paul preached and debated with both Jews and Greeks in the synagogue. His ministry was not a burden to anyone.
We might say that Paul’s ministry could be summarized with the words, “I do not seek yours, but you.” Paul did not go into the ministry to have a job through which he could make a living. He was called into the ministry directly by God, just as the twelve apostles had been called by Jesus. His calling was to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as he said earlier to the Corinthians: “I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified,” 1 Corinthians 2:2.
In other positions in the world, people seek yours, not you. For example, politicians seek yours. They seek your support to get elected to a certain office. Unfortunately, many times after they are elected, they forget about you until it is time for the next election.
Generally, in the business world people seek yours, not you. They want your business and your money. They want you to purchase whatever it is that they are selling, or they want you to use the services that they are offering, for which in each instance they will be paid by you, by insurance, or by the government.
People who are faithful witnesses for the Lord Jesus do not seek yours, but you. Faithful witnesses for Jesus do not seek to obtain what belongs to you and through which you provide for your physical provisions. Faithful witnesses invite you to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and your only Savior. Their concern is that, through the teaching and preaching of the Word of God, you will be brought to a knowledge of your sin and your Savior, who suffered, died, and rose again to redeem you.
By seeking you, we manifest our love and we give evidence of our concern for the spiritual welfare of others.
Blest be the tie that binds, Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds, Is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne, We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, Our comforts and our cares.
We share our mutual woes, Our mutual burdens bear,
And often for each other flows, The sympathizing tear. Amen.