“So death works in us, but life in you. . .Therefore we do not lose heart. . .for we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 4:12, 16, 5:10) Paul is being honest. Honest about the hardships of serving Christ. Honest also about the hope. So many opponents. So many disappointments. At the same time so many indications of LIFE at work in those who are hearing the gospel. Rather than judging life by its comfort (a modern and deadly mistake), he judges it by its eternal impact. Knowing that we will all stand before Christ, to be evaluated and rewarded or punished, he refuses to lose heart or give up his godly mission. Paul knows the bottom line of true success. It gives him courage. May it do so for all of us.
