Peddlers of God’s Word

2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6

Every year at this time young girls and their families fan out across neighborhoods and communities offering boxes of Girl Scout cookies for sale. It’s obviously a major fund raiser for the organization, but it is also a significant time for those who enjoy the cookies. Indeed, many people look forward to buying boxes of their favorite varieties, stocking up before the opportunity disappears for another year. I thought about the Girl Scouts and their cookie sales when I read our passage from 2 Corinthians for today. “For we are not peddlers of God's word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence” (2 Corinthians 2:17).

What would it mean to be a peddler of God’s word, and why would Paul reject this notion? For one thing, Paul was not an opportunist looking to earn his living with whatever new fad came along. His commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ was absolute and his efforts to share the good news were not motivated by profit. At the same time, the word of God is not a commodity that can be packaged and offered for sale. Despite the demands that it makes on our lives, God’s word is free to all who will accept it. And by the work of the Holy Spirit the word of God can not be controlled anyway; it goes where it will, touching lives and lifting hearts.

Paul was not offering a product to the believers of Corinth, not making a sales pitch. He and his fellow missionaries were speaking sincerely as messengers from God. This same responsibility lies with us today, not to package the faith as a brand or an investment opportunity, but to offer it freely to all who will receive it, and to encourage and invite all to join us in the life that God offers. Girl Scout cookies bring a lot of joy and generate a great deal of financial support. Taken in moderation they are a good thing. But the word of God transcends all aspects of our lives and offers us grace upon grace. It is a great thing.

Prayer: Lord God, bless us in our lives as your people, and open us to the opportunity to share your good news with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.