January 22nd

Why Aren’t You Up Here?

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

What’s your mission in life? Or maybe more simply, what’s your mission for this year? Many of us don’t have an answer to this question, though we will have much more productive years and lives if we do. Our verse today tells us what Paul’s answer was during his time with the Corinthian church-to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. Nothing else mattered to Paul.

This became Paul’s mission. And, in the name of Jesus Christ, I greatly encourage you to make it yours. Just like Paul, determine to make it happen.

Or what have you determined? That’s a great question for us to sort of consider right now.

What have I determined to live for? What have I determined to confess with my life, with each and every one of my breaths? Am I somewhat conflicted or confused concerning this? Or have I determined, like Paul, that I will know nothing but Christ and Him crucified?

You’re like, Well, of course this is clear for you. You’re the pastor.

It should be just as clear for you. There should be no difference between what has become clear for me and clear for you in terms of what we’ve determined to confess. We know that one day all creation will confess the name of Jesus above all else, but we can choose to do that now, and it will benefit us greatly both now and in that day. But more than that, we live as examples for those around us. What we confess will influence our family, neighbors, and coworkers for Christ.

When you are at home, do you confess television sex and violence? Do you confess disrespect toward your husband, wife, children, or parents (yes, you can still dishonor your parents as an adult, and yet we then strangely expect our kids to honor us)? Or do you confess Christ, not only with your words, but with your example?

When you are at work, do you confess the water cooler gossip? Do you confess ladderclimbing competitiveness? Do you confess bottom-line-at-all-costs integrity? Do you confess laziness, doing only what’s necessary? Or do you confess Christ as your supplier and provider?

Every circumstance in life provides us with an opportunity to confess Christ and all He did for us in being crucified on the cross. Don’t let your life be empty of that message today. Determine to know Christ and Him crucified.

Prayer Jesus Christ,

I’m so sorry for the other things I have confessed in my life besides You. Please forgive me, and set me free from all my past confessions as I choose today to confess one thing: You in all that You have done for me.

Amen