“It just feels like the world is conspiring against me.” I was listening to one of my community members lament recently about a number of difficulties that she and her family were facing — health, relational, financial, and safety issues in abundance. Have you ever felt that way?
Earlier this summer, our church looked at a series of messages from the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth. There, he lays out six components of a faithful example in the midst of trying times.
1. Recognize your limitations (2 Cor. 4:7-12). Paul describes the Corinthian’s situation as “holding these treasures in jars of clay.” By that, he reminds us of our common humanity. It is so easy to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. In the midst of difficult circumstances, it is important to remember our limitations.
2. Allow the Spirit to renew you (2 Cor. 4:13-5:1). While it is true that our humanity presents us with many limitations, it is also true that the Spirit of God is at work transforming us from the inside out. This renewal of heart and mind gives us the tools necessary to endure difficult times and focus beyond the challenges of the moment.
3. Remember your true identity (2 Cor. 5:6-27). Paul insists that those who have experienced the transforming power of God’s Spirit are “a new creation.” I lament that phrases like “born again” have taken on so many negative connotations — both in religious and political contexts. This powerful image points to the reality of spiritual renewal and the shift of values, priorities, and allegiances from worldly systems to the transcendent way of Jesus.
4. Don’t forget the example of the one we follow (2 Cor. 6:1-13). In the face of daunting circumstances, it is humbling to remember that we have been called to be “partners with God.” However, that partnership often entails sharing the sufferings of Christ as well as his triumphs. Everyone wants the empty tomb, but nobody wants to go through the cross to get there; everyone loves resurrection, but we would rather avoid the death that precedes it.
5. Lead with generosity (2 Cor. 8:7-15). In times of threat and uncertainty, the temptation is to adopt an attitude of scarcity and to look out for “me and mine.” Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. He encourages them to continue to connect generously with other members of the “body of Christ” and to support one another.
6. Let God define true strength (2 Cor. 12:2-10). In times like we are living through, we have a tendency to define strength in ways that puff up charismatic individuals who speak with authority, will show no mercy, and will destroy the enemy (whoever we might define as an “enemy”). By contrast, Paul says, “I am glad to boast about my weaknesses. So that the power of Christ can work through me.”
In times of fear and threat, we face a great temptation to compromise our convictions for the illusion of safety and security. Drawing on the example of scripture, let us not forget who we are and where our hope is found.