I'm finding that following Christ isn't what I thought it to be. Many times in recent days my choices have come under scrutiny by others. We've all been there. Remember those teenage years... Will Smith sang it best, "Parents just don't understand." But, I find it a little more difficult to live in decisions when face to face with others, not just parents, who "just don't understand."
If only my attitude might begin to look more like Paul's. "As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don't even trust my own judgement at this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. So don't make judgements about anyone ahead of time..." (1 Corinthians 4:3-5) Sometimes God's call on our little lives is going to look strange to everyone. It should! After all God is not bound by this world. If he calls us to stand up and out, will we?
As I see this play out in my life, God is teaching me about my tendency to judge others and their choices. Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 4 with words that pierce my own pride, "For what gives you the right to make such a judgement?" (v. 7) Everyone has their own Spiritual relationship. Their choices are between them and God. Silly or normal I must not judge someone based on the choices they make.
Paul reminds me, through his example, that to follow Christ will most often be the opposite of how the world is telling us to live. "We have become a spectacle to the entire world... Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed." He continues, "For the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power. Which do you choose?" (1 Corinthians 4:9-10, 20-21)
