2 Corinthians 3. I have a sister-in-law who is a teacher. She’s been a teacher for ages. Every time she is out in the community for an event, a concert, a fundraiser, or even at the grocery store; people are always coming up to her to hug her and give updates on their lives. The kids she has raised in the school system are everywhere – she is so proud of them – and they are so happy to tell her all their stories about what is new in life.

You could say that her credibility as a teacher is evidenced by how her now-grown-up students are doing in their respective fields. I am certain she has an impressive teaching resume, but people often recommend her as a teacher because of how much their kids have loved her and how they turned out.

The Apostle Paul has the same approach towards ministry. He invested in churches and church leaders, and then took great delight when they progressed and developed in their faith. He tells the Corinthians, you yourselves are our letter of recommendation (3:2). We don’t need to see Paul’s resume; all we need to do is look and see how the churches where he ministered have turned out.

Paul’s vision for ministry was an investment in the discipleship of others. It was never about the church building, or even about getting big numbers of people into a worship service. Instead, it was about investing in the faith and growth of a few, who would then go and invest in others in a similar manner. When faith growth and replication occurred, then the disciple-maker’s ministry was validated. You show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God (3:3). The disciples can be confident in their ministry, the change in other people’s lives shows for itself how the Lord is working and how their investment in the lives of others has not been in vain.  

Where have you been investing your time and energy? In your work? In having fun, traveling, or playing sports? In your family? In the spiritual growth of other people? What has all your investment produced? What do you have to show for it? Trophies, money, passport stamps? Or lives changed? I would like to challenge you to invest your time and energy wisely, in things of eternal value.