Perfume

2 Cor. 2: 16 "To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom.  But to those who are being saved, we are a life giving perfume.  And who is adequate for such a task as this?"

I am certain in the first century there were many who loved to hear Paul's message, and there were an equal number, if not more who hated his message.   Christianity was still just a fringe cult that had emerged from the Jewish culture.  No doubt, there were many skeptics.

I wish everyone who heard the message of Jesus appreciated it like a sweet smelling perfume.  Many do, but not everyone.  I must not take someone's response to my faith, my message, and my profession personally.  Some will appreciate it and some will not.  As long as my message is consistent, truthful, and full of grace and love, I can rest easy, no matter what the response.  The key thing is, I need to share it!

Dear Lord, help me share your good news with someone today.  Amen.

Jew and Gentile

1 Cor. 12:13 "Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free..."

Paul is talking about gifts from the Holy Spirit and unity within the church (a very big issue for the first century church) and he compares the church to an actual physical body.  He says each person has been given a certain gift from God and every gift is important.  He compares the church to a human body and says just as every part of a body are important and essential to a human, so is every member of the church.  Without one part, the whole part suffers.  He states clearly, some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, some are free.

This contrast of Gentile and Jew, slave and free, hit me today.  We think we have divisions in the church, but I can't imagine if we had Jews in our church (we don't) or slaves (thank goodness we don't).  If the first century church can exist and find a way with these very different and opposing types of groups, we should be able to figure it out as well....whether we are Democrat or Republican, black or white, male or female, Baptist or Pentecostal.  I need to do my part to promote unity within the church by praising all peoples and loving them all well.  How can I do that today?

Dear Jesus, help me find common ground with other believers today.  Amen.

Stand Strong

1 Corinthians 10:12 "If you thin you are standing strong, be careful not to fall."

Paul is sharing how he stands strong in the faith and cites some examples from history where people have fallen.  He warns his readers to be careful to remain strong-even if they think they are standing strong.

I am so often tempted to think I am doing super well spiritually.  I think if I was honest, there are many areas in my life I am not where I should be.  Even in our current teaching series at church as we discuss envy, greed and lust, I must check my heart and check myself on these issues.  Where is there envy?  Where is there greed?  Where is there lust?  I must root out this sin and live a life fully devoted to Jesus.

Dear Jesus, help me to see clearly where I am not standing strong and help become all you have created me to be.  Amen.

Motivation

Acts 9:1 "...Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes?"

Paul is defending his position as an apostle and spiritual leader in the early church.  Paul was not one of the original disciples/apostles as he was converted at a later date.  I think this is why Paul defends his apostleship and authority several times in his writings.  He goes on to explain his motivation for what he does.  He preaches the gospel not to support himself or build accolades, but he does it simply for the sake of the gospel.  His intentions and motivations are pure.

I think this passage is a great reminder to ask myself why I do what I do?  Is it for the paycheck?  Is it for the prestige or respect?  I should probably check my heart and check my motivations daily.  My motivation needs to be solely about expanding the kingdom of God and reaching people for Jesus.

Dear Jesus, help me work today solely for you and your kingdom, and not mine.  Amen.