I have in my mind a church member of many years ago (she’s with the Lord now) who was known to stand with her hands in the air in worship and at the same time be able to look around the church to see where people are sitting and what they are doing! Is that synergy? Well probably not! It did look like she was just going through the motions of worship.
For myself there have been many seasons where I’ve found myself not as engaged as I had been previously. On examination I have had to renew my spiritual disciplines and this has kept me in the faith.
As we continue into this final chapter we see Paul urging the Church to be the best they can be.
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.” 2 Corinthians 13:5-6
Like a physical medical or even more, a testing of metals, this is not just a gentle look but a rigorous spiritual audit of our life.
So what is that test? Is it like me and my spiritual disciplines? No. It is this one thing that Paul says: Christ in you.
Christ in you.
Let those 3 words dwell for a moment.
Christ in you.
- Are you becoming more like Christ? The fruit of the Spirit check-list is helpful.
- Why do we do what we do? What are the gains? Selfish or Serving Him?
- What are people saying of us? Paul wanted the Corinthians to look at his life.
Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you? Let that question fill your mind and heart. Let it hang over you for a moment. Once again let it penetrate every aspect of your life. Let it shape you, your thoughts and words, your decisions and work. Christ is in you.
It will certainly help you not to go through the motions.
Missions Paul 