What do you make of this section of Paul’s letter? There are some good nuggets to reflect on, but basically, I feel like I have just read a weary, heartfelt cry with a little sadness thrown in. Paul said he didn’t want them to feel shame for his situation, but he was certainly being real with them.
Do you think that your spiritual leaders are being real with you? For instance, when you hear your pastor preach, is he getting up close and personal, sharing his life experiences and baring his soul like Paul did to the church in Corinth?
Don’t we all wear masks as a way to protect ourselves? I don’t think I’m the only one who says, “I’m fine,” when asked how I’m doing, when I’m not feeling a bit fine. Sometimes it’s easier to be a bit “unreal” rather than go into all the complicated details that would change that answer.
As I read Paul’s letter, I thought it was helpful that he shared the deep side of his experience, too. We can identify with pain, and having another share theirs can soften us and make us more open and vulnerable. I can certainly identify with Paul as a missionary, for I, too, sometimes look at people on the other side with just a hint of envy. They aren’t on display or being scrutinized. That happened as a pastor’s family, too.
Being real about our struggles can help others, too. One of my favorite parts of ministry in the States was the years spent with Celebrate Recovery groups. We would say, “God never wastes a hurt.” Think about that in your own life. God has a way of working despite us being stuck in our mess. Our Plan B will have its own blessings. God has a way of pairing us with others who are struggling in the same way, usually to strengthen and support each other.
We can’t hide what’s happening from God even if we try to fool our friends. Sometimes I catch myself trying to defend my sinfulness to God. He is the one I want to please after all. When I stumble, I hate to admit it to God. We need to be real with Him, too.
Probably my favorite verse from this reading is verse 20. “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.” When I reflect on that, I can’t help but think that those who call upon the Holy Spirit’s power to guide their life are already living in the Kingdom of God. How marvelous! We’re on a completely different level from the rest of the world when we rely on and live by God’s power.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, you know my heart, and you know the concerns that weigh me down. I rely on you to bring solutions for those situations and reveal to me wise choices that should be made. Help me to rely on you for my healing and restoration. Thank you for each new step of faith you give me the courage to take. I want to imitate you like Paul and be all that you have created me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
