Spin doctors abound across the landscape of America. A spin doctor is "an individual charged with getting others to interpret a statement or event from a particular viewpoint." Something like this was happening in Paul's day. He writes in 2 Corinthians 2:17a, "For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God. . ." Ray Stedman explains, "[Paul was] not out to make a quick, soft living, raking in millions of dollars by hawking some attractive trinket in the Word of God, but proclaiming the truth of God so that people are truly delivered and set free." Paul's prayer recorded in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 provides a pattern for preachers. Let me call your attention to the following.

Note the victory Paul appreciates. 2 Corinthians 2:14a reads, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ. . ." Paul refers to being led in a triumphant procession by Jesus Christ who won the victory at Calvary and how he surrendered to Christ's lordship.

Note the venture Paul advocates. 2 Corinthians 2:14b-16a reads, "and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life." Paul refers to the opportunity of spreading the truth of the gospel under divine direction.

Note the vulnerability Paul adjudicates. 2 Corinthians 2:16b reads, "And who is sufficient for these things?" Paul judges himself personally inadequate for his calling. He later confesses, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us" (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Note the values Paul authenticates. 2 Corinthians 2:17a reads, "For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God. . ." Here Paul refers to his commissioning as an apostle to preach the word as he is sent forth.

Note the volume Paul articulates. 2 Corinthians 2:17b reads, ". . . we speak in the sight of God in Christ." Sir Walter Scott shares the following about the Bible:

"Within that awful volume lies
The mystery of mysteries!"

Paul reassures those in Corinth he is not "handling the word of God deceitfully" (2 Corinthians 4:2). In other words, he is not adulterating the word of God. Stephen F. Olford warns about ". . .pastors who accommodate their preaching to an unspiritual congregation until their message becomes nothing more than sounding brass and tinkling cymbals." We need to keep these things in mind as we pray for those who occupy pulpits throughout this land. That they will indeed be aflame with righteousness and not pursue the wages of unrighteousness. May every God called preacher refuse the wages of spin.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.