Joan Brock
"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men."
Why does Paul say we should be pitied if there were only earthly value to Christianity? In Paul's day, Christianity often brought a person persecution, ostracism from family, and, in many cases, poverty. There were few tangible benefits from being a Christian in that society. It was certainly not a step up the social or career ladder. What then was the true benefit from being a follower of Christ? (NIVJ
Today, many think that by professing to be a Christian, their lives will be perfect. "Tebow-mania" has been the rage during this professional football season. Many felt that because he was a Christian, then he would surely take his team to the Super Bowl! Is this the same shallow thinking Paul saw in the people of Corinth? If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we're a pretty sorry lot!
We will face hardship, sadness, joblessness or poverty, and our team may not go to the Super Bowl. But, the good news is that because we are followers of Christ, we are a new creation. We are born from above and changed from within with values and life-styles that confront the world and clash with accepted morals. Christ has been resurrected from death, and we as Christians have been forgiven for our sins and we have hope for eternal life. And that my friends, is better than going to a Super Bowl any day!!!
Prayer: Help us to live each day with the promise that in you we have a life of hope for eternity! Amen.
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