Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. I Corinthians 16:13
These words are part of the conclusion to Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. (Letter number one has been lost to the ages.) A commercial metropolis of Greece, it was one of the largest, richest and most important cities of the Roman Empire. Paul had stayed in this city a year and a half and founded one of the greatest early churches in the shadow of Athenian polytheism and philosophy. Even so, this group struggled with factions, immorality, offerings to idols, abuses of sacraments, false prophets, marital problems and worship behavior.
Paul addresses all the above, but it took a very short time for people with personal agendas to see this new and influential group as a networking opportunity and steer the church and its leaders into politics. Paul warns strongly against this. The Works of God are not for the kingdoms on earth, but for the Kingdom in man’s heart. We are called to remain strong in faith in the power of Jesus’ love that brought about His sacrificial death and resurrection, and be courageous in delivering a true Gospel of truth and peace. Keep your eye on the Kingdom of Heaven and don’t be distracted by the kingdoms of earth that will disappoint and pass away.
In Strength,
Gretchen