The Bad Press of Good Works

From Ephesus, the apostle Paul wrote to Corinth saying that he desired to come and spend some time with them only it would need to wait because ministry demands made it necessary that he remain where he was for a while longer: "[8] But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, [9] because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me: (1 Cor 16:8-9).

Did you notice, along with the statement about effective work, he adds the note about opposition.  The construction of the sentence makes it sound more like a positive than a negative.  He didn't say a door of effective work was opened "but" there are many who oppose me, rather he said, a door for effective work opened "and" there are many who oppose me.

It is as if the opposition was a confirmation of the effectiveness of the minisitry opportunity - that the draw of enemy fire indicated he was on target.  "Hey, guys!  Look at the good being done here.  It has the Evil one worried, he's sent out gang busters to try and stop us.  Isn't that great?"

It is great, despite the negative reaction.  Doing good work always brings bad press and detractors who want to throw a wrench into the works.  If they can get you distracted, listening to their venom, they can sidetrack you and slow down or bring your work to a halt.

Don't give in to the pressure of bad press and bad attitudes toward the good you are trying to do.  Satan will work hard through your enemies and even friends to stop effective ministry efforts.  Keep your eyes on Jesus and goal of kingdom service.  God will bless what he approves, regardless of the noise raised in opposition by those around you.  Jus' Sayn.