Listen

This is what I’m saying, brothers and sisters: The time has drawn short. From now on, those who have wives should be like people who don’t have them. Those who are sad should be like people who aren’t crying. Those who are happy should be like people who aren’t happy. Those who buy something should be like people who don’t have possessions. Those who use the world should be like people who aren’t preoccupied with it, because this world in its present form is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Think

Raise your hand if you love a list. Thumbs up if details fill you with a mixture of excitement and calm. You are my people! While my natural inclination is to prioritize details and systems, I’ve learned to shift my gaze from spreadsheets and release my grip on plans. Slowly, I’ve grown so I can remember what’s really important.

Paul wants the Corinthian church to remember what is central to their individual and communal lives. He’s writing to remind them of the essential aspects of their faith. Everything, including emotions, relationships, and possessions, is secondary to God’s work in Jesus Christ. What’s really important aren’t those details that bring daily joy, anxiety, frustration, or pain. Jesus’ transforming work completely changes their priorities and calls them to a new way of life.

Life in 2024 is undoubtedly more complicated than life in ancient Corinth. I think we need Paul’s message even more today. We need to be reminded that the call to discipleship invites us to deeper joy and freedom than anything else (yes, even lists) promises us.

Jennie Barber

Question to Ponder:

Make a list of five things that are important to you right now. Is God calling you to shift, change, or let go of anything on your list? How would life be different if you listen to God’s call?

Pray

Center of my life,

I stop running, stop going, stop doing,

And I hear you gently ask, “What matters?”

Send your Spirit of wisdom and truth to help me answer.

Knit my divided heart back together so it will beat in time with yours.

Amen.

Go

Listen with your whole self.

Listen with your ears as God’s voice comes through the unexpected.

Listen with your hands as you share and receive the Spirit’s gifts.

Listen with your heart as it beats to the rhythms of God’s love.

Listen with your feet as you walk with Jesus today.