Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. 2 Corinthians 5:11, NASB 1995
I recently attended a Christian Educators AWAKE experience. One of the highlights from the day came with a fresh understanding of what had been a “familiar” verse. And the Spirit of God led me to focus on one word…
The word “manifest” is used twice in this verse. In the original Greek, it means “to make visible or known what has been hidden or unknown; to reveal.” So what is being made manifest in this verse and how does it become manifest?
This verse is the introduction of a section of Paul’s letter where he describes Christians as being ambassadors for Christ. I had always thought that as an ambassador for Christ, I represented Him. However, this thought became almost absurd as I meditated upon it. We cannot represent Christ on our own terms. Rather, as we are obedient to Christ, we are revealed, made manifest, and to be followers of Christ. People will see that we do things differently, that we have a different perspective on what is valuable, and that we choose to make decisions based on different criteria. This becomes the “Big Reveal.”
If we set out to “represent Christ,” we will tend to focus on the rules of proper behavior. This will put us at odds with our colleagues and place us on the defensive. If we seek to be obedient to God, knowing the fear of the Lord (the crucial first phrase of this verse), we will potentially become “a sign and a wonder” to our colleagues—we will do things that cause them to wonder “Why?” It is our decision to be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit throughout our day that allows us to represent Christ faithfully.
Lord Jesus, we desire to be Your faithful followers. Help us to walk in a manner worthy of You, to please You in all aspects of our lives so that we might bear fruit in every good word and grow in the knowledge of You. Reveal Yourself to others through us today. Amen.
Copyright David Bedell.
David is a retired member who lives in California.
