Not Who They Expected

For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.”

Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.  For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves they are without understanding.  But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.

1 Corinthians 10:10-13

In his travels the Apostle Paul was often preceded by his letters to the churches.  Paul’s writing was strong and direct.  The people who heard his letters read anticipated a big man with grand gestures.  But Paul was a small man and perhaps not the world’s greatest public speaker.

Paul’s answer was to make it clear that they were men of integrity who lived what they preached, and that his physical appearance and his public speaking style, were not important.  What was important was his message. 

We can apply this to our lives.  It is not how we look; it is what we do when we set out to take the Gospel to the world.  So, stop worrying that you have bad hair or old clothes or are overweight or underweight or have no money and start preaching the Gospel right where you are.