Always On Our Mind!

What would we think if someone were talking with us and within the first few sentences they mentioned the name of someone nine times? Would we assume that person named was significant to them? Might we imagine they just could not get this individual off their mind? Could we also begin to think that perhaps they were trying to get us to note the significance of that person as well?

Are those we most deeply love continually on our mind? Are they not also the ones whom we love to talk about? As Paul began his first letter to the church at Corinth there is a name he mentioned nine times within the first nine verses. I’d like to suggest you stop reading this focus for a moment, pick up your Bible, and read those first nine verses. It will only take about a minute. However, as you do so, note also what Paul associated with this individual. Then return to read the rest of this focus.

Paul’s apostleship, the Corinthians’ sanctification (being set apart as holy), the name to be everywhere called upon, the source of grace and peace, the one linked to the testimony they had accepted, the one for whom they were awaiting when his day would come, and with whom they had been called into fellowship -- all of this was linked to none other than JESUS CHRIST their Lord and Paul’s. ( 1 Corinthians 1:1-9) Was He always on their mind, or were they getting sidetracked?

Paul expressed his CENTERED FOCUS of his ministry when he wrote. . .
“(1) And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. (2) For I DECIDED TO KNOW NOTHING AMONG YOU EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED. (3) And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, (4) and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (5) THAT YOUR FAITH MIGHT NOT REST IN THE WISDOM OF MEN BUT IN THE POWER OF GOD.” ( 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ESV)

Bear in mind lack of unity was a problem in the church at Corinth. Paul knew the only way these brethren were going to find unity was to get the focus off of each other or those who had taught them (note 1 Corinthians 1:10-12) and CENTER IT ON CHRIST as the Lord of their life. As significant as Paul should have been them -- as the apostle of Christ who had labored among them for a year and a half ( Acts 18:11) -- Paul didn’t want the focus to rest on Himself. Even when he did note his life as an example for them, he still raised to focus ultimately toward CHRIST. ( 1 Corinthians 11:1)

If JESUS CHRIST is truly the Lord of our life, is He always on our mind? Is what He thinks more of a motivation to us than what others think? How often do we talk about Him? Do others around us know how significant He is to us? Are we striving to help them realize how much He needs to be significant to them? May our conversation and life reveal how much JESUS CHRIST truly means to us.

Have a great day KEEPING CHRIST IN OUR LIFE AND CONVERSATION!
Carl

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