Friday, February 08, 2013

You are not what you appear to be!

In 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, Paul makes some bold statements about Christians and the church. He speaks of how we "reflect the glory of the Lord' and how the Spirit "transforms us into his likeness in an even greater degree of glory'. Neat statements. But isn't this the congregation that has brought Paul to tears with its rebellion, immorality, false teaching, and misuse and abuse of the spiritual gifts? Isn't this the church that is divided and filled with squabbling and in-fighting and self-righteous judging of others? So what gives?

When Paul claims that the church is being transformed, he is basing his statement and belief not in the individual's or the church community's ability to change itself, but in God's power at work in them through the Holy Spirit.  It's a great picture and an even better reminder.

You may not be the perfect Christian reflecting the glory of God. Your church may not be the perfect community of love and compassion, but God has not abandoned us. His Spirit is working within you and me...and most certainly within the struggling church.

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