It is within my nature to be judgmental. The environment that I was raised in had an influence of women who were judgmental; the era that I grew up – in the sixties – was a time of criticizing the way things were, pushing toward the “civil rights” of African Americans and other disenfrancised groups; the profession that I entered into – a History teacher has a hidden component of looking critically at the past and present to make certain judgements. So I unapologetically say that I have struggled with a judgmental spirit most of my life. And the reason I can say unapologetically is because when you understand the root you cease to condemn yourself – and you begin to work with the Holy Spirit to understand what part of that spirit needs to go, and what part needs to stay!
O.K., now that I have your attention, I want to take some of you non-judgmental people off your horse – we all make judgement calls, whether we admit it or not. As humans we filter things we see, things we do, things that other people do, through a filter of our own understandiing. We decide what we llike, what we don’t; we decide who’s right, and who’s wrong – and most often it is not based on an established standard – it is based upon our opinion!
Paul knew the people of Corinth well – that their intellectual ability was going to be a hindrance to their accepting the message of faith – and he knew that because he knew himself. As Paul ministered to the Corinthian church he stated:
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.: 1 Corinthians 2: 1-11
For the next couple of days I want to dissect this passage – as it applies to us today.
What we know about Paul is that he was learned – he did not make an apology for that – he did not excuse it – his education and gifting was a part of who he was – he knew how to put words together that could appeal to an audience – and he knew the Corinthian audience was one that would receive such oratory. But, he PURPOSED that he would not be who he was (Before Christ) – but he decreased, so that he could deliver the simple message of the gospel of Jesus Christ – not wrapped in an apologetic fashion (although apologetics has its’ place) – but rather with clear intent not to try to persuade the Corinthians through eloquent words, or educated arguments – he wanted the message of faith, “not to be in the wisdom of men – but in the power of God.”
I will continue this on tomorrow – but let’s reflect today – on the current status of the church – and our role in it – what is our message – what is our demonstration?
God Bless You,
maria
I believe our role is to love unconditionally, past experiences, present day, and future hope of that which is to come has given me a deeper appreciation for intercession, it says to me to pray and love, I do believe we are to do as the scripture says, try the spirit by the spirit and see if it be of God, this is judging things, however, even as Christ called things out in the bible time and time again He did it in love, I believe that there is an appointed time where we as believers are to speak out, and most importantly take a stand for Righteousness, but many of us use others weakness’s to affirm our strengths, not realizing that one day we might revisit that same weakness. We need to be mindful, especially as Christian Leaders, examine our motives for speaking out, lets make sure our demonstrations are full of the testimony of the GOSPEL! Great Word, thought provoking!