The Spirit's Strategy

For Friday, August 19

The Spirit's Strategy

Esther 4-7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-26; Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 21:21-22 (click to read)

(1 Corinthians 12) 3 Now I want you to know that if you are led by God's Spirit, you will say that Jesus is Lord, and you will never curse Jesus.

Bible experts have had to guess at the meaning of the last part of this verse. Many have decided that the Corinthians were "speaking in tongues", ecstatic language, and some would, in fact, curse Jesus during that speaking. I really don't know if that's it, but as I read the verse, another "form" of cursing Jesus come to mind. That is when I really represent Jesus wrongly. I (or any believer) have the task of representing Christ accurately, His love, His mercy, His justice, His grace. When I, in fact, represent the opposite: intolerance, hate, judgmental attitudes, etc., I "curse" Jesus to be known wrongly, to be ridiculed by the world, to be rejected for totally wrong reasons. Since I am not yet (or even close) to what God wants me to be, I need the leading for God's Spirit, as the verse says. And since I never know who is really watching, or under what conditions they observe, I must depend on the Spirit's guidance and strategy for Jesus to be honored.

Lord Jesus - I seek to be an accurate witness and representative of You every day. On any day, I can do that badly - for those actions and words, I ask Your forgiveness. For today and tomorrow, guide my choices and communications so that You are honored and not "cursed" with bad representation.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)