And such were some of you... 1 Corinthians 6.11
I love the above passage. Paul writes to a church populated by ex drug dealers, prostitutes, homosexuals and thieves as if they were now all saints! That is because the WERE! They were all transformed by the saving blood of the Lord Jesus Christ!
In the middle of this chapter of reprimands Paul stops to look over the congregation in his minds eye and sees precious souls that had been rescued from the edge of the abyss. Each one has a preposterous story, an incredible story, a love story. Each had come to know God’s saving grace and had been transformed.
If you had been with Paul at the beginning of the Corinth church plant would you have been excited about the prospects? Would you have even wanted to be on Paul's team? Would you have been able to sell this ministry opt as valid to your supporting churches? Maybe.
Paul writes to this problematic group to express his love, concern and to give some much needed instruction. As he dictates his letter his mind's eye begins to envision the pews or whatever this group used. He noticed, like all preachers have over the years, that each member sits in the same general area, if not the exact same place, every meeting. Look there is Bill Jones to the right. Over there is Bob Smith and his wife Susan. The Greens are way in the back next to the exit sign. The Browns are in the second row, of course no one ever sits in the front row unless they are in the children's Christmas program.
Anyway, as Paul envisions his group at Corinth he begins to see each dear one and he begins to remember each of their stories. Each has a story you know. Each of his "family" has a wonderful story about how the Savior reached into their wretched existences and changed them forever. Paul savors each account as he grasps for cause to hope that his people will do the right thing for the right reason. He knows that his trust is not necessarily in his people but in their Savior. This group of what the world would have considered losers is now the focus of the great Apostle's adept pen. To them flow wonderful words that are being recorded for the ages. These losers are now leaders that God is using to spread the Gospel. Amazing.
It is often that way with me. I look over our group and in my mind's eye see some incredible stories. I look at what the world would consider a bunch of losers and see princes and princesses. My judgment is not always the best at first glance, however. I remember on various occasions saying or thinking, "That one will not last long" or, "Poor slob! If he only knew Christ!" only to later regret my words.
I want to continue this line of thought but I’m nearing my 500 word limit. Oops just went over it. Let me leave you with this thought and I’ll continue tomorrow. Don’t do what Samuel.did. He judged who would be the next king by looking at outward appearance. He was wrong. Keep that in mind and let’s get together again in the morning.
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