Paul, in this letter to the Corinthian church, writes from a heart of encouragement. We read in verse 5, "For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears."
Paul had endured a great deal of intense physical pain and mental anguish. His outlook was one that we, as REAL men should always pursue. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
In previous letters, Paul had addressed several inconsistencies and idiosyncrasies that had found there way into the church there. Paul had received word that the church was flourishing. They had allowed the Holy Ghost to reestablish some of the convictions that had fallen by the wayside. Paul writes in verses 10 and 11, "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter."
When the church is healthy, it's a great indicator of the health of each family. We as REAL men are responsible for the health our families, both physically and spiritually. When we are Godly men of character, it is reflected in our families and thus reflected in the church. In addition, we relieve some of the stress for our pastor when we are spiritually attuned. We, as men, benefit from surrounding ourselves with other men of strong convictions.
I want to take a moment and say that I was honored to work in the kingdom of God alongside Rev. Clarence Mooney. I know that you now are in a better place, but I miss you dearly already. Your example will live on. I promise.
Donnie Gandee
