"Parting Words"
Discovery: At the end of the movie "Saving Private Ryan," Tom Hank's character last words to Matt Damon's character Private Ryan is this: "Earn this." As we see at the end of the movie, we see how these parting words totally changed his life. I only hope that my last words would leave as powerful of an imprint on someone's life.
Paul's parting words in his letter to the Corinthians is also meant to leave an indelible imprint. Paul mentions in the beginning of chapter 13 that he plans on coming and visiting again for a 3rd time but that the nature of this visit may not a pleasant one. As always, there is something that needs to change in the lives of the Corinthians. In v.5, Paul says, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith: test yourselves." Paul is not telling them to doubt their salvation nor is he questioning the authenticity of their conversion. Paul is merely turning the tables back on those in the church who had been testing and questioning Paul's apostleship. Paul is merely placing a mirror in front of their faces and asking them the same questions that they had been asking him. It reminds me of Jesus' words in regards to judging others, "How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye" (Matt. 7:4).
Paul continues in v. 8 by saying, "For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth." The litmus test of whether or not one has "failed" the test of faith, is to look at the evidence in one's life. Paul uses the term "truth" here. The definition of truth is "a standard or guide." But truth is not merely propositional statements or doctrinal beliefs. Truth is where our beliefs intersect with our actions. All along in his defense of his ministry, Paul points back to the truthfulness of his life's action. His beliefs and actions line and point back to the "truth" in his ministry. He challenges the Corinthian church to do the same.
Application: The call to do this serious self-reflection and personal accountability is a daunting challenge. I found myself this morning in one of my regular struggles. I love my children. I am so grateful for them and I know that I am blessed to have them in my life. Yet at the same time, I find myself losing my patience with them all quite frequently (especially in the mornings as I try to get them to school on time). In my frustration and anger, I usually snap at them or raise my voice. After I drop them off and my emotions settle down, I find myself time and time again feeling guilty and ashamed. I always question why I can't be more patient with them and my prayer is always the same: "Lord help me be a more patient father."
It struck me this morning that I just want God to to take away my problems. I just want Him to "zap" me or something so that I don't have these bouts of frustration or anger. It dawned on me this morning that I am not willing to put in the work to become more patient and loving. I realized that I know the truth (be a patient father) but I don't always live it out in my life. It felt as if God was putting a mirror to my face and asking "what do you see?" and "what do you want to become?"
Similar to the Corinthian church, there is always something that needs to change in my life. I want my life to be marked by this kind of truth where my beliefs and actions intersect.
Prayer: Help me Lord live and grow in truth. Let my convictions and beliefs continually intersect with everyday challenges and opportunities. And thank you again for my kids. :)
