“You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5 NLT).

STOP INVITING PEOPLE TO CHURCH

Paul didn’t care what people thought of him as long as they heard him proclaim Christ as Lord. But the Corinthians were easily impressed by appearance and eloquent speech. Though Paul had been the one who had first preached the gospel to them, to which they believed and were saved, they were swayed by fancy preachers who came later. In response, Paul reminded them that he and his preaching team sought to make Jesus famous, not themselves. In fact, in Paul’s first letter he told them that “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). And further he wrote, “We are fools for Christ’s sake” (1 Cor. 4:10).

If our life’s purpose is to make Christ Jesus famous, then we must give up on making much of ourselves. We proclaim not ourselves, nor our church, but Christ! The world may think us foolish, but we have given up on pleasing men, seeking to please God alone.

So stop inviting people to church and start inviting people to Jesus! Tell them what Jesus has done for you and give them the gospel. Then when they come to faith, help them find a Christ-honoring, gospel-proclaiming, and Bible-believing church to join. We’re making Jesus famous, not ourselves.

PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us when we make things about ourselves, instead of Jesus. We give Him all the praise and glory this day. Strengthen us to tell others about Him at all times. In Jesus’ name, amen.