SCRIPTURE: But the unspiritual man simply cannot accept the matters which the Spirit deals with—they just don’t make sense to him, for, after all, you must be spiritual to see spiritual things. The spiritual man, on the other hand, has an insight into the meaning of everything, though his insight may baffle the man of the world. This is because the former is sharing in God’s wisdom, and ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’ Incredible as it may sound, we who are spiritual have the very thoughts of Christ! 1 Cor. 2:14-16 PHILLIPS
THOUGHT: Perhaps you like to think that you, as a believer in Jesus, aren’t really that much different than everyone else. Perhaps the notion of being different makes you uncomfortable, so you go around trying to make yourself as accommodating and accessible to culture as you can. You don’t want to be that weirdo who sticks out like a sore thumb and gives Christianity a bad rap. Sometimes entire churches and denominations accommodate to the point they are afraid to challenge lies and speak truth. Saltiness lost (Matt. 5:13) amidst sugary drinks and carb-y treats.
But look, Jesus was willing to stick out, to speak truth when it made people so uncomfortable they wanted him dead. That’s salty. He didn’t get all weird and I can’t think of a single time when he was left looking like a fool. He was certain about who he was and certain about whose instructions he was following, saying more than once, “I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me (Jn. 8:28 NIV).”
So, this is the mystery: We ordinary humans who love God and accept the sacrifice of Jesus have been given the ability to be salty too. To discern truth despite the lies that swirl around us. We have a gift inside (the Spirit of truth, Jn. 14:16-17) that separates our wisdom from the wisdom of the world: insight into the meaning of everything, though [it] may baffle the man of the world…. Incredible as it may sound, we who are spiritual have the very thoughts of Christ.
Yes, it does sound incredible…just like the other promises of God. We are different, and different is not only good, it is mission critical.
SONG: Be Thou My Vision https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZBOSfiH8Rk
PRAYER: Bless you, God, for the gift of Spirit of truth, and for the promise of wisdom and discernment that came with it. May I lean into being different by listening to your Spirit and trusting the very thoughts of Christ.
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Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
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