1 Corinthians 12:12-31, January 21-27; Year C:

Straight AheadThe major points of this passage are not difficult to discover. The church in Corinth was torn by jealousy, spiritual pride, greed, and a host of other sinful behaviors and infractions. Paul is laying down here principles for church life. First, he is saying that there should be no social or economic distinctions in the church. It is the same Holy Spirit who baptizes all believers. Consequently, whether bond or free, rich or poor, Jew or Gentile, all are alike in being a part of the household of faith. This was a major departure from cultural norms of that day--not only among Jews, but in the world at large. Second, every Christian has been given some spiritual gift; and all gifts are to be valued. The entire body suffers if one part is lacking. Every Christian has a role to play if the whole church is to fulfill its ministry. The list of spiritual gifts given here is not exhaustive, but suggestive. It is also significant to consider how this applies to those skills and abilities that may not be considered spiritual gifts, but which definitely are significant in the life of a church. Even the seemingly mundane and practical abilities and talents that we bring to our Christian experience are to be available for the good of the whole. And since it is the same Holy Spirit in-dwelling all Christians, no Christian can take pride in having reached some esoteric height of enlightenment that cannot be attained by the body at large. All Christians have access to the same Spirit, the same guidance, the same illumination of God's truth. None of this is to be construed, however, as to diminish the honor and respect that Christians are to exhibit toward those who have spiritual oversight. This principle is made abundantly clear in many New Testament passages. Of course, those with spiritual authority are also charged with the responsibility of being faithful servants. These are the major principles expressed in this passage. They challenge us to ask serious questions about our own churches. Do we raise artificial barriers of race and class that hinder true Christian fellowship? Do we value some skills and spiritual gifts in the church to the point that those with other skills or spiritual gifts feel inferior or less valued? What can we do in our individual congregations and denominational assemblies to make sure that all Christians know they are valued, cherished, and truly loved by the body of Christ?

Days Off, Sick Days, and Vacations for Ministers--Conscientious to a Fault?

I know some ministers who impose schedules on themselves that nobody in their right mind would accept if compelled to do so by an employer.  They refuse to take days off.  They're extremely reluctant to take sick days, and they practically have to be forced to take vacations.  Of course, not all ministers are like this; but some are.  Some ministers would have you believe that their churches force them to such extremes.  Personally, I think they probably didn't insist on days off and sick days when they accepted the call.  I've never had any trouble with any of these things.  And I use all my vacation each year! 

 

Ministers just need to let the officers of their church know from the very beginning that they intend to take a day off each week.  If they're sick, they need to stay home and get somebody else to preach.  I've even known ministers who didn't insist on a church taking responsibility for moving them on to the field when accepting a new call.  I think some ministers believe  they're being very conscientious or pious when they conduct their affairs this way; but I think it's being conscientious to a fault.  Allowing a church to take advantage of a minister to this extent simply cheapens the office and does nothing to improve the stewardship, commitment, or general spiritual tone of the church.

 

I remember that at one General Assembly of the EPC, we practically had to pass a resolution to force the denomination's stated clerk to take his vacation.  One of my church officers at the time commented that it was so encouraging and refreshing to see a man with such dedication.  I commented to someone that it was neither encouraging or refreshing, and that I thought the man was badly mistaken to refuse to take his vacation.  I said that in my opinion, it didn't indicate dedication, but stupidity!  It was bad for the executive, for the denomination, for the man's family, and for the rest of us ministers who some might expect to follow his example.

 

 

Straight ahead!  See my blog at:   www.noblindbluff.blogspot.com