In I Corinthians 7:40, Paul uses language reminiscent of something we read in our Sunday School Class this past week. He continues to speak of the immanent return of Christ, and whether one should concern themselves with entering into a marriage. He concludes by saying, “And I think I have the Spirit of God.”
We had read a similar comment from Rob Bell. In reviewing Acts 15, where the church fathers take action, the text speaks of their acts by saying, “it seemed good.”
Sometimes we are called upon to determine a course of action, without a clear and undeniable word from God. (I would even suggest that we are continually being called upon to do so – though others would claim a clear word in cases where I might not.) How, then, do we decide?
Paul says he thinks he “has the Spirit.” Paul implies that he is attempting to make a decision in line with the way the Spirit of God has been leading him.
We all too often separate our lives into two categories: time in communication with God, and time spent on our own. Overcoming this allows us to achieve what Paul refers to as “praying unceasingly.” When every moment of our lives is lived in harmony with where the Spirit of God has been leading us, our whole lives become that prayer – it becomes a continuous interaction between us, God, and the world.
In I Corinthians 7, don’t think Paul is devaluing what he has shared. I believe he is lifting up a model for the way all persons of faith make decisions. We pray, we reflect, we discuss with others, and then we move forward confident that it the Spirit of God which is guiding us.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment