1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (NRSV)
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Chapter 1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, Verse 2To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Verse 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, Verse 5for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind- Verse 6just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you- Verse 7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 9God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Devotion
For many years I shirked away from being called "holy." I could maybe "confess" I was a saint, but only if that truth remained in the words. To take on the mantle would be too fully confining. Yet it always felt delightful when my grandmother would mention her thankfulness, often using scripture. I am not sure that I ever knew how to live into it. It was just too big.
What can we do to live into such a calling? Many of us watch those in our communities who carry the weight and responsibility of the church and community, volunteering services and time. We greatly respect them and maybe would like to be like them. I have found through befriending many who are not connected to church or any faith life that my definitions change. Living as a saint, living a holy life, has become accessible, not because I am better, but because I can see myself as created whole and holy already. We do not become holy; we live out who we are. We do not become saints (as many traditions might have us believe) we are saints, because God has blessed us and redeemed us through Jesus.
Prayer
Creator God, help us to see ourselves, our communities, and our world in the holy beauty you have created. Give us the words to be thankful for where we fully see you. Help us to honestly tell the story of your presence here and now. Amen.