This is the time of the year when we naturally think of New Year's resolutions. In 1 Corinthians 2:2, the Apostle Paul reveals his resolution. I'm fairly sure it wasn't made on a whim during a New Year's celebration. Before we look at it let's review a little background information on Paul. In his letter to the Philippians he made the believers aware of his impressive pedigree (Phil. 3:5-6).
*circumcised the eighth day
*of the nation of Israel
*of the tribe of Benjamin
*a Hebrew of Hebrews
*a Pharisee
*blameless according to the law
In the very next verses we find his personal commentary on his ancestry and his impeccable lifestyle. "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Tucked away in this passage is that resolution I mentioned earlier. Paul states it, again, plainly, in his letter to the Corinthians. "For I resolved to know nothing...except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Let's go back in time a few years to the little village of Bethany --- home of Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. In the familiar story regarding them, found in Luke 10, Jesus commends Mary. What did Mary have in way of credentials? The Bible doesn't give us any. One apparent fact that we know about her was that she was female. During the time of Jesus, this was certainly not an asset. Yet, Jesus had only words of praise regarding her. Why? Let's look at Luke 10:39, 41, & 42 for Jesus' explanation. "...Mary...was seated at the Lord's feet listening to His word...the Lord...said...'....only one thing is necessary...Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.'" Mary? Mary had it --- the one lacking an impressive pedigree and admirable credentials? Yes, she was already practicing what Paul, a few years later, resolved to practice. Is it possible that Paul had heard this story and that it inspired him to make his resolution? It's possible. What's more probable is that Paul and Mary shared an insatiable hunger for Christ. Paul wasn't emulating Mary because it seemed like a wise choice. He was bowed at the feet of Jesus, attentive to Him, determined to know Him better, because his heart compelled him to be there.
New Year's is the time we tend to evaluate ourselves to see where we need to improve --- where we are lacking. Isn't that how we come up with a resolution? Apparently Paul didn't have many weaknesses. Mary, on the other hand, didn't appear to have a lot going for her, but they were on a level playing field when it came to attaining the one necessary thing. The only credential it requires is a passionate heart. In fact, having things going for us in life may put us at a disadvantage. We can have a tendency to rely on them.
Whether you relate more to Paul or to Mary, go for it! Make the resolution this year that will truly be a revolution, for you and those around you.
*circumcised the eighth day
*of the nation of Israel
*of the tribe of Benjamin
*a Hebrew of Hebrews
*a Pharisee
*blameless according to the law
In the very next verses we find his personal commentary on his ancestry and his impeccable lifestyle. "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Tucked away in this passage is that resolution I mentioned earlier. Paul states it, again, plainly, in his letter to the Corinthians. "For I resolved to know nothing...except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Let's go back in time a few years to the little village of Bethany --- home of Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. In the familiar story regarding them, found in Luke 10, Jesus commends Mary. What did Mary have in way of credentials? The Bible doesn't give us any. One apparent fact that we know about her was that she was female. During the time of Jesus, this was certainly not an asset. Yet, Jesus had only words of praise regarding her. Why? Let's look at Luke 10:39, 41, & 42 for Jesus' explanation. "...Mary...was seated at the Lord's feet listening to His word...the Lord...said...'....only one thing is necessary...Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.'" Mary? Mary had it --- the one lacking an impressive pedigree and admirable credentials? Yes, she was already practicing what Paul, a few years later, resolved to practice. Is it possible that Paul had heard this story and that it inspired him to make his resolution? It's possible. What's more probable is that Paul and Mary shared an insatiable hunger for Christ. Paul wasn't emulating Mary because it seemed like a wise choice. He was bowed at the feet of Jesus, attentive to Him, determined to know Him better, because his heart compelled him to be there.
New Year's is the time we tend to evaluate ourselves to see where we need to improve --- where we are lacking. Isn't that how we come up with a resolution? Apparently Paul didn't have many weaknesses. Mary, on the other hand, didn't appear to have a lot going for her, but they were on a level playing field when it came to attaining the one necessary thing. The only credential it requires is a passionate heart. In fact, having things going for us in life may put us at a disadvantage. We can have a tendency to rely on them.
Whether you relate more to Paul or to Mary, go for it! Make the resolution this year that will truly be a revolution, for you and those around you.
