Paul talks to the church like a father talks to his children when he is away from home. That conversation can go two very different directions.
On one hand, if you have been good, then Dad tells you how proud he is of you. If you have been bad, then there is the warning of impending doom when he returns. My dad often told me how proud of me he was….but it wasn’t because I had been good. Anyway,
Paul picks up on a destructive attitude that is creeping into the church. Pride. Some believers are boasting about who baptized them, or what gifts they have, etc. When you boast about one thing, it pushes others topics, or people down. In other words, while making one item seem better, you make others appear worse. For this reason, we should not boast.
Most boasting is either a product of pride, or tempts others to be proud. It’s best to steer clear of it.
Paying compliments is not the same as boasting. I think we need to compliment and encourage others, but not to the point that we are bragging (based on pride). Remember, when I brag about one thing, there is an opposite, and often unintentional effect on others.
Paul mentions in this passage just how difficult the life of the disciple (apostle) has been. He isn’t complaining, but his account amazes me. He hasn’t had enough clothing, or food, he has been without shelter, or friends, and on top of it all he has been ridiculed in most towns that he visited. The amazing thing is: this was God’s plan from the beginning. It’s just so counter culture that it’s hard to imagine. I suspect that we struggle with the idea (of success) today with men and women who appear “unsuccessful” in their ministry because of the very little that they possess, or the way in which their message is received. We associate victory an growth with success. We believe that what is right will be embraced by all, and will win out in the end. Keep in mind that in Paul’s life, although there were converts in many places…it didn’t look like victory or success (at times).
Favorite verses: 5 – “don’t make judgments about others…”
20 – “the kingdom of God isn’t just a lot of talk, it is living by God’s power”
Celebrating,
PR