1 Corinthians 1 - 12.4.23

Scripture:

‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.””

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Observation:

In the beginning of this chapter, Paul gives thanks for the church in Corinth, but then he addressed issues causing division.  The church was divided based upon the leaders that they followed. Paul pointed them back to Christ, reminding them that not even he was crucified for them. None of them were baptized in his (Paul’s) name. Then, he went on to point out that those who boast should boast in the Lord!

Application:

If we truly have anything to boast about, it should be about Jesus Christ! Divisions cease when Christ is on the throne of our (the church’s) lives.

The older I’m getting, the more and more I’m realizing that all good things come from God alone. It’s okay to be impressed, encouraged and celebrate success and hard work, but we need to remember that our ability and drive to work hard originates from God. My ability to love my husband and kids and others…that is from God. My ability to endure through trials and suffering is from God. My ability to write this SJ post is from God. My faith and salvation is from God.

We are completely dependent on the Lord and should boast in Him about every good thing. Everything should point back to Him.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, may I make every effort to secure my relationship with You, with You on the throne of my life. When people ask me who I follow, I pray that the first One Who comes out of my mouth is You. Help my life to reflect that as well. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi