My wife Kerra is a teacher.  On the first day of class, she communicated something to her students that got their attention, something that will deeply impact their perspective of what school is all about.  “My purpose,” she says, “is not to fill your heads with information.  My purpose is to make your souls rich.”  That's a very important lesson for students everywhere.  But it’s also an important lesson for the American church. 

When we think about the enrichment of our souls, we tend to associate that with the enrichment of our bank accounts.  You don't have to look very hard to find a preacher or Bible teacher telling you God wants you to be healthy, wealthy, and happy. Listen to Christian radio for a while; watch a Christian cable broadcast; surf the net; and you'll find people
telling you that God wants to bless you with success, prosperity, and a long, happy life. There's nothing new about that teaching. There were teachers in Corinth saying many of the same things.  You can read about it in our text this
week—2 Corinthians 4:1-18. 

In this section of Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, he refutes the criticism of those who wanted to discredit him.  They called Paul's ministry into question because of the hard things that had happened to him.  Paul pushes back.  But not in a way that you might expect. Instead of highlighting his strengths and accomplishments, he lists his difficulties and
disappointments. Imagine applying for a job and saying, "I dropped out of college for bad grades, but I did the best I could. I got fired from my last two jobs, but I learned a lot through the experience. I've got some reference letters here: this one's from a coach who kicked me off his team, and this one's from my probation officer."  It sure looks like Paul needs to employ one of those résumé builder services.

The following letter was written by Southern Baptist Missionary to Iraq, Karen Watson, prior to leaving for the Middle East. The letter was dated March 7, 2003. Karen was killed, along with four other missionaries, on March 15, 2004.

Dear Pastor Phil and Pastor Roger:

You should only be opening this letter in the event of my death.

When God calls there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with you as much as possible, my heart for the nations. I wasn't called to a place. I was called to him. To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, his glory my reward, his glory my reward. One of the most important things to remember right now is to preserve the work . . . I am writing this as if I am still working with my people group.

I thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Surely your reward in heaven will be great. Thank you for investing in my life and spiritual well-being. Keep sending missionaries out. Keep raising up fine young pastors. In regards to any service, keep it small and simple. Yes, simply, just preach the gospel . . . Be bold and preach the life-saving, life-changing, forever-eternal gospel. Give glory and honor to our Father.

The Missionary Heart:
Care more than some think is wise.
Risk more than some think is safe.
Dream more than some think is practical.
Expect more than some think is possible.

I was called not to comfort or success but to obedience….There is no joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving him. I love you two and my church family.

In his care,
Karen

(Source: "Keep Sending Missionaries," Baptist Press, March 24, 2004)

It may seem that life is all about success, prosperity, and happiness as the world defines it.  But the true reward for a life well lived is not the glory of the world; it is the glory of God.   How do we keep going?  We focus on His glory—our
reward.