Big lessons at small costs

“For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.” 2 Corinthians 11:4

When raising our son, Peggy and I often prayed that he would learn big lessons at small costs. Certainly we asked for divine protection from bad decisions, but, even more, we wanted him to navigate his way by listening and learning – listening to the wisdom of God and learning from the experiences of others. And while Matthew made his mistakes along the way, God was merciful to grant us our request.

Along these lines, we do well to learn from the errors of the Corinthian church, namely, putting up with a different Jesus, a different spirit and a different gospel. Paul’s appropriate rebuke for them doubles as a merciful alert for us. We do well to stop, listen and learn ...

Our Jesus, is he different from – i.e., morally “superior” to – the Old Testament God, or is he the exact representation of him? Our Jesus, is he the one who subjugates the authority of his Word to our prerequisites for happiness, or is he the one who empowers us in love to do what is good and right and pleasing to him?

Do we follow a spirit that compels us to act religious, or are we inspired by the Spirit who fills us with the joy of Christ in us? Do we follow a spirit that panders to self-image, or does the Spirit himself transform us into the image of Christ?

Our good news, is it that Jesus is one of many ways to God, or is it that Christ is God himself living in us as “the way” to the Father? Our good news, is it a bargain ticket to live a selfish life with no consequences, or is it eternal life for those humbled at the Spirit’s gentle conviction of sin and surrendered in trusting submission to Christ?

There is one Jesus, one Spirit and one gospel; all other “enlightenment” actually darkens our soul. The errors of the early church stand as lessons for us today; we need not repeat them. May we, instead, learn big lessons at small costs.

Holy Spirit of God, lead us freely in the way of life and truth; lead us on in Christ alone.

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15a

[Click here to see the daily reading in 2 Corinthians 11:1-15.]