Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2
As we experience political turmoil in our society today, we are reminded that difference of opinion and resistance of one group by another is a part of living in a larger society.
Paul has been on the road and mentions his trouble at Philippi. It is possible that Luke later fills out this story in Acts 16:11-30. We see that Paul defends himself and has been accused of deceit and manipulation as well as greed and vanity. This sounds so foreign to us today as we conduct ourselves so much more respectfully!
Slander is the easiest way of countering someone's arguments. Rather than deal with the content, we tear down the person themselves. It is not the highest form of discourse by any means but it continues to work well into the 21st century.
 |
| These rules seem archaic today but were held with seemingly religious fervor 60 years ago. |
We can see how Paul was challenging the basic tenets of Jewish faith outside of Palestine. And we must remember that Christianity was not seen as a separate faith at this point but a sect within larger Judaism. If we think about it from a Jewish perspective, you would be living as a minority among Gentiles in this foreign world. You stand out because of your practices and your diet already. This would put you up for persecution by the Gentiles you live among. And now, here is this teacher that comes in and tries to make these Gentiles your equals in the sight of God. It would challenge your notion of what it means to be faithful.
Today, Christianity struggles within itself and how it is seen by the Gentiles (unchurched) of today. There are practices that we may have that seem of utmost importance to some (like no drinks in the sanctuary) that fundamentally do not take away or add to one's relationship in Christ. It is cultural and it is a respect or reverence issue for some. But it may become a stumbling block for those who are exploring the faith.
As Paul reminds us, the relationships we form with one another may be more important than the cultural norms we hold onto. As he tells the Thessalonians, "Yes, you are our glory and joy!"
Where have you once been inflexible in your life on things that now seem trivial? I bet with some reflection, we can all name some!
Prayer for the Day:
Patient God, we recognize that we often major in the minors. Help us to name what we are afraid of so that we may respect rather than slander our fellows who may see differently. Bless our relationships that we might find in them our glory and joy! Amen.
Photo by jalexartis Photography via Flickr.com. Used under the Creative Commons license.
All scripture quoted is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment