Many commentaries focus on Paul's defense of his ministry. Paul's main purposes have little to do with defending his ministry. The most common themes are: 1) reconciliation--between us and God, between fellow believers within the church, and between Paul and the Corinthians; 2) exhortation to ministry--Paul has been steadfast and uses his example to spur the Corinthians to look beyond their petty squabbles and reach out to the world, no matter how difficult it will be, because we have God and the rest of the world needs to be in relationship with Him. Be bold, be brave, get out of the pew!
Monday, February 26, 2018
Faster Spiritual Growth Through Adversity
Last week, I went through intensive sessions with Younique. As we reviewed high points and hard times in our lives, they demonstrated a spiritual principle. Watch the video--particularly at 2:12-- to understand the physics behind the principle that more potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy even with many ups and downs:
Joseph's life in Genesis had many ups and downs: father's favoritism (up), sold into slavery by brothers (down), put in charge of household (up), imprisoned (down), put in charge of Pharoah's court and second-in-command over all of Egypt (up). Instead of taking revenge on his brothers when given the chance, he recognized God's grace in preparing for the moment to take care of his family.
Likewise, James writes that we should, "when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy..."
Come the high points to Psalm 23's green pastures. In a desert clime, they occur at the higher altitudes where the air cools and the humidity becomes rain. It's at the high points where we are building up potential energy, prepared for getting through the valleys. And King David says there will be "valley of the shadow of death" and evil to fear. What a marvelous time to have all kinds of kinetic energy to really 'book' it through that valley!!
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