“besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” II Corinthians 11:28 NKJV
Reflection: if you stop for a moment and think about it, what actually concerns you?
There are many people who are worried about the earth’s changing climate. Over the past few years, we have observed a number of extreme storms, flooding, etc, and even seen record temperatures (both warmer and colder) in some areas. While some speak with great confidence, it is of course unclear what is causing the weather changes. But those looking to profit from this situation are quick to appear. The worry over the climate is almost all caused and fueled by the media. Because, if people hadn’t been told about it, they wouldn’t have worried about it either. Now, how to move from worry to concern, is pretty interesting. Because, being worried, comes from fear and helplessness. Being concerned, on the other hand, enables people to take action, and also accept action from government, etc. There are extreme proposals such as “climate lockdowns”, similar to what was required during covid.
So what is a “concern” then? The Webster dictionary defines “concern” to include something 1) to relate to, to be about; 2) to have an influence on; 3) to be a care, trouble, or distress to. As you can see, the “concerned” person will associate with the perceived situation, and can take action. So should we be “concerned” over the climate? I suggest doing your own research and make up your mind on that. But it is certainly biblical that we should be concerned about and take care of the earth and all that is in it. But let’s not confuse the two, and be discerning about what is being pushed as an agenda for profit, for power and control. Why? Because there are those who will use this to take away our freedoms to move around, our ability to speak freely, and even our religious freedoms. Now that should greatly concern all of us, especially followers of Christ. Several large western countries are actively working on or have already implemented such measures.
Paul suffered greatly from religous persecution, for his “faith in action”. He acted on what he believed in, regardless of the consequences on him personally. We read “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—” II Corinthians 11:24-27 NKJV. Clearly, Paul didn’t want to suffer as he did, but there was something even much greater than having to suffer that he was concerned about. He mentioned in our focus verse today “besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” II Corinthians 11:28 NKJV.
So what was Paul’s concern? He continues “Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” 2 Corinthians 11:29 NIV. His concern was for the purity of the churches, that individuals wouldn’t fall for the lies and deceptions of the enemy. “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” 2 Corinthians 11:2 NIV. That was his top concern, what was on his heart and mind day and night, that he tirelessly worked for. He clearly loved the Lord and his fellow man that much, putting it all on the line for spreading the gospel of Christ.
So back to the daily reflection again. What concerns you the most these days? What occupies your heart and mind? Climate? Or is it like Paul, the spiritual maturity and obedience to Christ for those that God has put in your way?