As we journey together through First Corinthians this Spring, I become more and more aware of a couple of things: 1) how we too easily apply Scripture to others but not ourselves and 2) how we tend to under-read some Scriptures. and over-read others.
So often in the religious/secular culture wars of our times, Scripture becomes a militant tool – a sword or dagger – with which people of faith attack culture. I assume that I/we do this out of fear, insecurity, loss of control and a feeling some tradition needs to be protected. Indeed, perhaps God needs to be protected.
But, the fact is, as we read and study First Corinthians together, we see the Apostle Paul confining his words in “the Word” to the people of God. He even says, “this is for you guys”. Yet, we tend to forget this and use Scripture as a sledgehammer on others. The first and foremost thing we could do to change the image of Christianity in our culture would be to, either admit or surrender our fear. Another would be to apply the scripture brutally to ourselves as individuals. Then, at a more gracious second level to be critical of our life together and use the Scripture to guide us in Christian community. And, if we could produce healthy community witness, that might draw people into consideration of Scripture’s authority over life.
My second discovery in this Spring’s study of First Corinthians has been how we tend to under-study some parts of the texts and over-study others. Let me use a common example. We culturally value Christian marriage very highly in the church. I sure love my wife and family and value marriage. Yet, Paul holds singleness even higher in the service of Christ and tells us married folks that we are in for strain and worry. Also, the church takes a pretty Victorian view of the passages in Corinthians that refer to sexuality. These issues get elevated and highlighted and complained about. Yet, when is the last time you saw a group of Christians try a legislative referendum against Slander. Never. It’s one of the church’s and society’s favorite deadly sins. We worship backbiting and irresponsible critical speech. Paul condemns it in Scripture as many times or more than he condemns any sort of sexual misbehavior. Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t want to go easy on any kind of un-Biblical behavior, but I want to be sure to EVENLY address each issue.
So, let’s keep working hard to use scripture on ourselves and our community, the church. And, let’s make sure we read every text and every issue with proper weighting lest we fool ourselves and embarrass Jesus.
Randy Rowland