In this passage Paul challenges the people in Corinth to be faithful servants and ministers of Jesus and the gospel and to seek to please Him rather than being worried about what others might say or think.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, it is important that we also reflect on our Heavenly Father and recognise all His goodness to us. In 1 John we read that He has given us Jesus, His son to rescue us from sin and death and take away our fears; He has given us of His Spirit to help us discern truth from falsehood; and He has instated us as children in His family. As we live in the light of those realities, we need to continue to abide in Him by pursuing purity, not being led astray or running ahead, being obedient to His commands and loving others in action. Considering the example of John himself, we should also seek to be good spiritual fathers to those God has placed in our care.

This passage is a reminder for Christians to keep doing the basics well through work prroduced by FAITH, in labour prompted by LOVE and endurance by the HOPE in Christ we have through our prayer, reading the Word, our giving, when we are discouraged, criticised or facing challenges in our daily lives.

As Malachi says his sixth and last saying, he is talking to a people who don't want to serve Him, that see no point in following God and His laws. God's last word goes out to 4 different groups of people: the COMPLAINERS, the BELIEVERS, the EVILDOERS and the PREACHERS. Which one are you?

How do we protect ourselves from temptation that we can face at anytime? Be prepared to fail but learn from these failures. Keep practicing the fruits of the Spirit so that we can learn to live a godly life and be an example for others to follow.