A Few Reminders

It was nice to pick up my Bible, flip to 1 Corinthians chapter 1, and, even though I'd just read through it not long ago, be able to go back through it and find some excellent reminders.

Three things really stuck out to me in this chapter:

1. Paul starts off by mentioning in verse 4 that he "thanks[s] my God always concerning you..." I realized that this must have been encouraging to the Corinthians. Paul said here that his fellow-believers were a blessing to him, and he wanted them to know that. It made me think about the Christians in my life that have built me up, prayed for me, and stayed by my side--whether it's been over a period of years or months, I greatly appreciate them. Believers share a special bond. It's something that maybe we can start to take for granted or overlook when we let our human sides get in the way so that we begin to bicker and fight and grow bitter toward one another. Fellow Christians are a blessing that is worth thanking God for! And we should let them know how much they mean to us. Who knows just how encouraging that could be!

2. Next, Paul asked the believers not to be divided. This plays a bit into what I was already talking about, how it's easy for us to let our sinful selves get in the way and ruin some great Christian relationships. Paul wanted the Corinthians to remember that who told them about the gospel or which preacher or apostle they followed didn't matter. They were all followers in Christ: an identity that creates unity, and, therefore, strength. Christians are always going to have differing backgrounds, but if we focus on what unites us--faith in Jesus--we can all be one unified family. When our focus is on Christ instead of ourselves or other humans, we can move past division and disagreement.

3. Lastly, Paul talked about how the gospel is "foolishness" to unbelievers. This is so evident in modern times, in which the educated and intelligent of the world are always trying to use "science" and "reason" to explain God away. But Paul says God's true wisdom will put the wise to shame, as He chooses the less educated, intelligent, popular, etc., to proclaim His Word and follow Him. This way, humans can't take God's glory for themselves--not when He chooses the least of people to do His greatest works.

This reminds me, first off, that human nature hasn't changed and that the struggles that come from being ridiculed and attacked by the intellectuals of the world are not unique to our time. Christianity was under attack back then from the people who thought that it was "foolish", just as it is the world is attempting to discount it now. Second, it's also great to remember that God chooses "the little people" to do His great works. We don't have to be extremely talented or wise or strong or charismatic. We just have to be ourselves, and God will make that MORE than enough, in Him.