In today’s verse, Paul is contending with some people in the Corinthian church who are somehow offended by his claim of authority. It seems odd since Paul started the church and is the only one there with first-hand experience of Jesus. But there are always people who struggle with pride. They are threatened by anyone who displays even the slightest advantage over them. Stronger, more knowledgeable, wealthier, more popular… Anyone who appears higher than them in any way is somehow an affront and an enemy. Their reaction is to attack and try to cut their perceived opponent down — to weaken them, make them seem stupid, ruin their finances or their reputation. The target reveals their particular insecurities.
In today’s verse, the attackers’ insecurities were apparently in their knowledge of God. So they attacked Paul by claiming he didn’t know what he was talking about and had no authority. They got very personal.
How did Paul respond? He didn’t retaliate personally or build himself up. He pointed back to Jesus. Paul didn’t claim power himself, but he reminded the church where true power comes from — God. God has all the power. Accessing this vast power doesn’t happen with arguments and pride, it happens with humility and obedience.
Arguments and pride are demolished by the knowledge of God. If I know God, I am humble. There is no other way to be when faced with the Creator of the universe and everything in it; the One who exists outside of time and space and yet stands here with me offering love; the Author who knows everything about my story and still wants to spend time with me. There is no other way to be but humble. Pride can’t stand in the face of such a Being. If I am proud, I do not know God.
Dear God,
Thank you for showing me who you are through your word, through your creation, and during times when I pray and contemplate all that you are. Thank you for your beauty, your love, your wisdom, your power, your holiness, and your forgiveness. I worship you in humble obedience today.
CamDevo 