One of the things that has struck me in my recent reading through the Bible is the detail to which God wanted things done. To see this, just look at the later passages of Exodus. Not only is there one record of
how they built the tabernacle and made the garments for the priests, there are two! They talk about what should be done, and then talk about doing it. By seeing the repetition, you can tell how important getting this place of worship right was.
It was just the opposite in the case of the Corinthians. If you’ve read the two epistles to the Corinthians you see that Paul was writing answers to various questions that they had, and he is also taking up some issues on his own. One of those issues was what they were doing in “the service of God.” Paul takes on the idea that “anything goes” and starts to lay down ground rules. The most important statement in this conversation is “let everything be done decently and in order.”
How is your life?
- Do you try to capture every thought and focus it on glorifying God?
- Do you keep your body/flesh under, so that you can serve Him better?
- Do you make sure to spend time communing with Him?
- Do you cast every care/burden on Him, thinking only of pleasing Him?
How is your church?
- Is worship disorganized or appear to be more focused on the flesh?
- Is the mission and message of the church aligned with God’s Word?
Perhaps you do not know God personally. You don’t know what it’s like to be more concerned about pleasing Him, and instead you’re trying juggle everything that is swirling around you. Establishing that personal relationship with Him is the best thing you can ever do.
Amen on your last sentence!
I’m also in awe of how God comes from different perspecives. I always use the Gospels as an example. Written by 4 men over different time periods; 2 were direct disciples (named as the 12), 2 not; 4 different perspectives can be seen in the background of the men, through love (John), a historian/doctor (Luke), through a tax man (Matthew), and through a seeker who followed Jesus (Mark). Different voices telling of the greatness of Christ and His work on the cross to save men from their sins. Wow…it really boggles the mind how God would put that together from such varied sources to tell a message of grace and hope in Christ.
Good post MIn.