Day 322, or November the 18th. Why don't you
grow up? Our thoughts today are from 1 Corinthians
chapter 3, verse 1. Brothers and sisters, I could
not address you as people who live by the Spirit,
but as people who were still worldly, mere infants.
And now the big picture surrounding this verse.
Paul wrote at least two letters to the church
in Corinth in southern Greece. The city today
is just an archaeological site, but very evocative
as you stroll around the various remains, wondering
which building would have been visited by Paul,
or maybe even Aquila and Priscilla, who helped
establish the church there, and made tents for
a living alongside Paul, who was in the same
business. The population of 1st century Corinth
was about 700 ,000, with maybe two -thirds of
them being slaves. Before the canal was built,
teams of slaves would drag ships or their cargoes
across the narrow strip of land, dividing the
Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. This shortcut
saved a 200 -mile sail through treacherous waters
south of Greece, and was the sort of place that
attracted the worst of mankind. It's amazing
that a church was ever established there, let
alone thrive as an active witness to Christ.
Not surprisingly, it did need regular guidance
and firm letters from Paul. He begins his first
letter dealing with misunderstandings in the
fellowship. A ripe field for harvest for many
21st century fellowships. And now today's action
step. Immature believers in Corinth were hampering
the development of the church there. Sadly, the
same may be said of too many believers in the
21st century too. Can you imagine Jesus saying,
they won't get away with that, I have my rights,
you know. Just wait till it's my turn, then they'll
pay. I could go on, but I think I've said enough
to make my point. All of us, me included, must
act our age, not our hat size. Try asking, what
would benefit the kingdom most in this situation,
and then show maturity by doing it. Not for your
own personal benefit, but for the good of the
kingdom of God.