Spirituality

1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)

The Apostle Paul had a difficult task. He was trying to bring people together who had no intention of compromising to do so. On the one hand Paul's church in Corinth strongly believed that a strict adherence to the laws which have always worked for them should be followed. On the other side were those who said only a complete understanding, shown to us by signs and wonders, would complete our belief.

In the middle, though, were Christians who were developing the belief that both sides can be correct, but don't necessarily have to be. These were the "spiritual ones" to whom Paul refers. Those who have found a way to live among each other, regardless of belief or practice, to create a community where all are included and all have something to contribute.

Being filled with the Spirit, as Paul puts it, is to him a way in which people can be filled with something other than the things which divide them. Eating the right foods, being circumcised, looking for absolute proof, and the notion that one had to be on this side or that was beginning to break the church at Corinth apart. Paul tries to explain to the church that it's not these things that help people find unity in love, rather it's allowing the Spirit of Christ, the inner-life example which Jesus brought into this world, that helps us become one people.

This same message can be given to our society today. I read this morning that a state who recently had their ban on same-sex marriage lifted by the state supreme court is now looking into banning all marriages. The idea is that if they can't stop one group of people from expressing their love and affection, they will stop all expressions of love and affection. These law-makers believe that love for none is better than love for all. this is how they view justice and equality.

It's a sad statement to make that in our time, in the 21st century, people still adhere to the "it's my way of thinking because my way is right" mentality. However, as we can see this kind of thinking goes back 2000 years, at least. We could say it goes back even further if we take into account the words and actions of the Hebrew prophets.

Which brings about my thought for today - When will it stop?

I heard it said that there were many people walking the earth sharing the same message at the same time Jesus did. So, why is it Jesus' message lived on. maybe it's because Jesus didn't reach ot to change the minds of those in power, maybe it's because Jesus changed the hearts of those who were powerless. He brought together the hopeless and gave them hope. He brought together the downtrodden and gave them joy. He brought together the worried and gave them peace.

Jesus brought people together in love, and Paul was trying to do the same. Shouldn't we?