Tuesday, January 4, 2011

"Do I Really, Really Believe That"? (pt. 2)

1 Corinthians 2:2 (AMP) - "For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified."

Do we really believe that? Should we take the example of Paul in this verse and run with it? Adopt it as our own? Live by it?

Does nothing really mean "nothing"?

I think Paul was fully sincere, and while we attribute these words to Paul, they are really THE Word being presented from God through Paul.

So yes. It would serve us well if we made Jesus the #1 priority among us in all things.

Here's the problem with a verse like this. It's not with the verse itself, it's with us.

Most folks will immediately begin to disparage the verse by applying it to themselves according to the very principles that Paul said he refused to use in the previous verse.

He said, "AS FOR myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom."

If we interpret scripture in our own wisdom and mind, and NOT in the "mind of Christ", then we will never believe it applies to us. We will make excuses that he could not possibly have meant that, because how could we possibly go about it? Who can actually live like that?

Ideally, we should be consumed in Christ. This would be the normal Christian experience. But, because we think we have to work, parent, play, have bills, watch and play sports, and the rest of what has become known as "daily living", we think we can't squeeze that much Jesus into our lives.

That's true. We can't.

So what or WHO will be the first to go? The overwhelming majority will jettison Jesus. Yes, EVEN the so called bible believing Christian.

Am I saying this is easy? No. It's never easy in our own strength. However, suppose you started conversing with Jesus over this issue? Speaking to God about how you wish more of Him and less of you in your daily living?

Suppose Jesus could tell by your hearts desire that you want more of Him?

I think then we would get to the place Paul describes.

I resolve to know more of Jesus and Him crucified.

There's a New Year's resolution that'll stick to your ribs.


Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

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