Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
Paul's irritation at those who criticised his ministry sometimes boils over. This is one of those times – he is frustrated that the Corinthians are being led astray by smooth talkers who don't really grasp the heart of the gospel (verse 4). But instead of just countering their arguments, he makes it all deeply personal. He offers his own conduct and character as evidence for the truth of what he says. He points out that he has never made money out of them (verse 7) and that he has suffered far more than anyone else in the cause. He won't boast about things that show how powerful he is, but about his weaknesses, because these are what show God's power (verse 30). There's even something a little absurd about escaping pursuers in a basket (verse 33).
Today, we might say that Paul didn't just talk the talk; he walked the walk. Again, we're invited to think about what we truly value about people. In churches, it's easy to fall into the trap of being unduly impressed by the charismatic leader or the gifted speaker. But Paul's example is different: he suggests that another criterion by which we judge people is how much they have suffered and sacrificed. In another example of how the gospel turns human values upside down, it's not how much we've won that counts, but how much we've lost. And as Jesus said, 'those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last'.
God, help me to see as you see, not as the world sees. And help me to be willing to sacrifice, and to lose everything for you.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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