This week we return to the motif of light we picked up at Epiphany. Jesus comes into the world as a light to the nations. Over the last few weeks, we have looked at what this light can mean for us and considered what it means for us to continue to reflect that light to the world.
This week, we look at 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 as we consider growth. How does the light coming into the world help us to grow? And how do we in turn help others to grow?
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I think it is interesting as we hear this text to think about how similar at times the early church actually was to how things remain today. I hear Paul questioning the church at Corinth that he had been instrumental in starting, and I think that some things never change. The third verse in particular feels so convicting: “When jealousy and fighting exist between you, aren’t you unspiritual and living by human standards?” It is almost like Paul had a crystal ball that allowed him to look ahead to the present day church in general. As we consider what is going on in our world, in our nation, even in our local congregations, it is hard not to feel like Paul is speaking directly to us.