This church had it all: wise people, wealth, located in a growing community that was very popular. What could Paul have to say to them?
First of all, he reminds them of why they have what they do. God called you, God made you holy, and God gave you gifts.
I think there is a lesson there for our church. We don’t exist because of our own strength, but rather because of God’s choosing. We have many nice things, but we have them because God allowed us to have them. And talent? Our talent overflows. There are days when we notice the one or two areas in which we could use some help…but when you step back and look at the larger picture, there are many people serving in a variety of areas.
So what was the problem in Corinth? It seems like they were bickering. Why would they argue about something so unimportant, like “who baptized me”? I suggest it’s because they weren’t using their gifts they had been given in the right way. I say that because people who are busy serving the Lord are generally filled with joy and content, and don’t have time to bicker about trivial things. It’s when we stop serving that we have these kinds of issues.
I’m not saying that if we are serving Jesus there won’t be any problems, just not the trivial issues like this.
I think that might be why Paul spends his first chapter talking about what Jesus did for us. They needed a reminder of why they were together in the first place, and a motivation to get back to what was important.
The reality is simple: many of us would never cross paths if it weren’t for our belief in Jesus Christ. The gifts and talents that we have been given would never work in harmony with those of others…because we wouldn’t be here. But our love for Christ compels us to gather together, and to serve together. The Holy Spirit whispers in our ear, giving us ideas about how much could be accomplished, if we worked together.
Jesus wants us to live in harmony, working together to advance the kingdom.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” Matt 5:9
I often quote verse 27: “God chose the foolish to shame the wise, and the powerless to shame the powerful….” There isn’t any better example of this than the cross. While the devil flexed his muscles and promised to give Jesus dominion and power over all the earth, Jesus quietly surrendered to the cross, and received dominion over all heaven and earth. Jesus was actually filled with power when the world saw Him as weak. He was operating wisely when the world thought He was foolish.
I think the same could be said about us by those who don’t understand the message of the cross. At times we appear weak, unwilling to retaliate or lash out at someone who is opposing us. We don’t take advantage of others, even when it seems socially acceptable to do so. We compliment and celebrate the accomplishments of others, instead of talking about our own.
Foolish? I’m sure the world thinks so at times. But in heaven, I think Jesus is looking down and says to the angels
“that’s my boy”.
Celebrating,
PR