“I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.” (1Cor.2:1-4)
Heavenly Father, Paul’s commitment to make much of Jesus, own his weakness, and rely on the Holy Spirit is how I want to live the rest of my life. It’s a 3-fold cord of Gospel beauty. A trio whose blended voices create magnificent harmony. 3 “piles” (paint) on an artist’s palette, pregnant with beauty.
Whether we are surgeons or boat captains, landscapers or sourdough bakers, aging artists or young entrepreneurs, pastors or preschool teachers, stay at home moms or continents away missionaries—you call all of us to major in these three things:
1. Make much of Jesus: We will never over-love, over-do-it, or over-serve Jesus. For he is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption—the creator, sustainer, and redeemer of all things. Father, keep revealing more and more of Jesus’ truth, goodness, and beauty to us.
2. Own our weakness: Though we’d rather be filled with confidence, swagger, and awesomeness—free us to “put no confidence in our flesh” (Phil.3:3), not be ashamed of our limitations, and choose vulnerability over impressiveness.
3. Rely on the Holy Spirit: You still say this to us, Abba—whether we’re trying to move mountains or faithfully do the mundane: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zech.4:6). Relying on the God who raises the dead beats relying on ourselves a gazillion to one (2Cor.1:9).
Abba, these are three steps or a formula—but a way of life shaped by the Gospel. Help us with all three. Hallelujah. Thank you. And So Very Amen.
