Balance

     Corinth was a rough place to start ministry. It was probably not a surprise to Paul that there were issues. Biblical scholars point to Corinth being like a Las Vegas

kind of place. It was gutsy of Paul to try to inject the Gospel into that kind of city. It wasn't just a port city, it had two ports with all the money and goods traveling through the guts and life of the city itself. Corinth, though, isn't what it was. Nor, is it what it became. The ancient city had been destroyed by the Romans (before Paul). The village built around the ruins of the Ancient Corinth was destroyed by an earthquake in 1858.

     I have never lived in a place that was previously destroyed and rebuilt, but I would imagine that meekness and boldness are both needed as Paul describes in the reading for today. Being bold at the right time and place is critical to balancing the meekness and humility of Christ that become a shy and shallow representation of who and what Christ wants us to be. Speak out and stand up for God's goodness. Hold others in prayer and appreciate silence and patience. Both are needed.

2 Corinthians 10:1-11

I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards. Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. We are ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is complete.

Look at what is before your eyes. If you are confident that you belong to Christ, remind yourself of this, that just as you belong to Christ, so also do we. Now, even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it. I do not want to seem as though I am trying to frighten you with my letters. For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” Let such people understand that what we say by letter when absent, we will also do when present.

God of all temperaments, personalities, and expressions,

You reign in my life and guide my heart in all good ways. Show me when to keep my mouth shut and when to speak up. Move me to stand up and advocate for the oppressed and neglected, and still me to not be arrogant or obnoxious to others. Let me be an aspect of your Grace to others. Use me to show your way of gentleness and tremendous power. Embrace those who are in need of your balance and wholeness this day... Center our lives in your ultimate peace. In the Name of Christ, we pray. Amen.