I was doing some quick browsing through some of Paul’s letters looking for something when I noticed a pattern. Much as Paul preaches the gospel of God’s grace and living in the Spirit, he also gets trapped into making lists. Much of the first letter to the Corinthians is in that vein. Even the first Christians said, “It’s great to talk about living in relationship to Jesus, but just give me a list–a check-off guide. In that way I know what to do and can measure how good I am versus others.” And Paul would play that game. I know he was just trying to be helpful, but his writings in that regard have led to endless speculation and argument.
This leads to another game that too many Christians love playing–arguing about the small points in Paul’s lists. There’s an old English saying, “Penny wise, pound foolish.” Some pay close attention to little things in life (for example the speck of sawdust in other people’s eyes) and miss the big picture (that is, living in relationship with Jesus).
There was a time when I lived to argue. Then one day I saw that arguing gets you nowhere. I just try hard (and often fail) to live in relationship with God and let the arguers argue. That’s the truth of simplicity. Live in relationship with God and serve others.
Gary Mintchell
Tags: Christianity, lifestyle
Faith Venture 
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