Living It Up

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What does it mean to be a Christian? In today’s world, with so many denominations, and with so many people becoming “nones,” it’s a good question to ask.

Perhaps, the Christian Life is Flashy?

However, by asking that question, I don’t mean: “What does a Christian believe?” Instead, I mean: “What does the lifestyle of a Christian look like?”

Some people would have you believe that the Christian lifestyle looks like success–a winning lifestyle. They preach that Christians have the big house, the good job, the flashy car, exotic vacations, and a multitude of friends. This idea isn’t new. In fact, the Corinthians–in the first century–also thought Christianity looked like this.

But this view isn’t scriptural, nor is it the witness of the church throughout the ages. In this Sunday’s epistle reading, Paul confronts the Corinthians on this matter.

Paul mocks the “visionary” Corinthians! 

He starts by making fun of them.

I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven–whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise–whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows– and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:1-4 RSV)

In other words, he’s saying, “Oh! You have flashy experiences in church? Your preachers have visions and revelations? Well, guess what! I know a guy who was caught up in the heavens!”

This is mockery at its best! (Who says the Bible is boring?) He shows them that in light of a crucified messiah, this is meaningless. In fact, this sort of boasting is contrary to the gospel.

Christians Boast of their Weaknesses! 

To put things right, he reorients them to the true Christian lifestyle. He writes,

And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 RSV)

Christianity is a simple, humble lifestyle. God humbled Paul. This was for Paul’s salvation. It also allowed him to realize that his life belonged to Christ, who was put to death in the most shameful way possible. The more that this shameful weakness is mirrored in the Christian’s life, the more of a servant of Christ he or she is. The more weaknesses are manifested (for the sake of the gospel), the more the power of God is demonstrated.

This may seem contrary to all we’ve been taught. In fact, it turns “success” on its head! Only when a Christian gives his or her life over to Christ, does that Christian truly receive life. Our Lord said,

For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 16:25 RSV)

It’s not easy, but it is truly life-giving! It’s transformative. 

What thorns has the Lord given to you for your salvation?

P.S. Give your life to Christ this Sunday.

St. Elias the Prophet (419 N. Grandview Ave., Dubuque)
Saturdays: Great Vespers, 4 pm
Sundays: Divine Liturgy, 10 am (our main service)

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