7-8You stare and stare at the obvious, but you can't see the forest for the trees. If you're looking for a clear example of someone on Christ's side, why do you so quickly cut me out? Believe me, I am quite sure of my standing with Christ. You may think I overstate the authority he gave me, but I'm not backing off. Every bit of my commitment is for the purpose of building you up, after all, not tearing you down. (The Message)
Over the past year we have seen a number of high profile people fall off the role model platform. We have seen that what they have wanted us to think about them is not in line with what they actually do and say. This of course is disappointing and makes us suspect others. Before we know it we will become so jaded that we won't believe or trust anyone and we will always be looking for the hidden reality behind the public mask that others wear. In fact we usually don't know what to do with someone who truly is transparent and totally honest about themselves including their thoughts and actions. Today we wouldn't know what to do with Paul, he would have a more difficult time being heard today than in his own time because everyone would be looking for the inconsistence in his words and actions. Everyone would want to uncover the real Paul so that they didn't have to pay attention to his words. Paul carried theological and moral authority with him where ever he went. Unfortunately we no longer trust those who might carry the same authority today and our world is worse for this reality.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- How and why do you think Paul's authority was called into question?
- Who do you see today that can speak with moral and theological authority? What gives them this opportunity?
- Who were your role models growing up? Who are they today?
- Who might God have brought into your life to speak with authority about spiritual and moral issues that you need to pay closer attention to?
No comments:
Post a Comment