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1 Corinthians 2:16-3:3 Natural Inclinations. 16 Mar 2024

1Co 2:16 For: who has ever known the mind of the Lord?
Who has ever been his adviser?
But we are those who have the mind of Christ.
3:1 And so, brothers,
I was not able to talk to you as spiritual people;
I had to talk to you as people still living by your natural inclinations,
still infants in Christ;
3:2 I fed you with milk and not solid food,
for you were not yet able to take it
-- and even now, you are still not able to,
3:3 for you are still living by your natural inclinations.
As long as there are jealousy and rivalry among you,
that surely means that you are still living by your natural inclinations
and by merely human principles.

Saint Paul is preparing the Corinthians - and me - to mature. We are in the lent season. I can not mature easily when I am hindered by sins. Then I only can take 'baby food.' First things first.

Jealousy and Rivalry

Those are certainly present in 'my' church (Not that I own any church.) Somewhat different forms may be criticism and individualism. And yes, me too, I am involved with such things.
I should tame my tongue and change my thoughts about others towards more friendly patterns. I should offer myself for humble service.
And not to forget: pray about all those things.

Prayer

Jesus, renew my thinking and actions.