Thoughts for the Day

For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to mortals. We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honour, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard version)

Thoughts

Paul is writing to the Corinthian christians. He has been much concerned about the news that he has heard, concerning the way the church has split into different factions with argument about different leaders and their supporters. There Is a severe problem of pride here! He argues that when they thought they were better than others they should remember that the differences are because of what God has done in them, and there is no reason for pride. He uses sarcasm to try and shake them - after all if anyone should have pride it should be the Apostles, yet they are beaten, homeless, hungry and persecuted!

Paul uses a phrase that has been much used by Christians over the last half century. He says "We are fools for Christ". The world today thinks we are fools, that we worship a non-existent God; that we pray to a non-existent God; and that we waste our time and energy in the study of a book about a non-existent God. We are sidelined and ignored in the world today, or criticised and made to look like fools.

But I would want to say to those who mock us, don't deride what you haven't tried. Over the years I have learnt to put all my faith in this so-called non-existent God. There is nothing that is too small to ask Him. I have learnt to trust Him, and be internally calm when life is difficult, knowing that He will always have my back!

Lord Jesus,
when we are mocked
or derided for believing in You;
when others laugh at our beliefs;
and when our lifestyle conflicts with others,
may we stay strong to our faith,
trusting in Your words,
and in the strength of the Holy Spirit,
who helps us each day.
Amen.