Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Did He Really Say That?

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

I, as have most of you, have read this passage at least a hundred times. As most of you have also done I've always focused on the spiritual gifts aspect of this passage. Rightly so, I might add, as that is a very important part of these verses. However, today, I decided to read, actually read, the passage from the beginning as given to us in the lectionary, and there it was, right in the beginning; "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed."

Uninformed!

It would seem that Paul's main idea isn't so much the giving to us of what the spiritual gifts are, but instead to ensure we are informed. I'm impressed by this proclamation more so because of how the intentions behind those words spoken 2000 years ago still ring true today.

I am often surprised by people, both young and old, who do not know what's going on in the world around them. I mentioned in passing yesterday what others thought of France getting involved in the war against the religious extremists in Mali and nobody, not one person, knew what I was talking about. However, as I sat and listened to the conversation a little more everyone seemed to know when the newest Kardashian baby was going to be born. To be fair I didn't even know a Kardashian was pregnant.

I have nothing against knowing the details of our popular culture, it can be very entertaining. I just wish our society could put as much focus into the things around them that really mattered; responsible gun ownership, equal rights for all people, respectful treatment of creation as a whole.

Let's finally take heed of Paul's words and become informed.

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