Cultural Wisdom

My teaching and preaching were not with words of human wisdom that persuade people, but with proof of the power that the Spirit gives. This was so that your faith would be in God's power and not in human wisdom. I Corinthians 2:4-5 (NCV)

For centuries we have been aware of cultures and classes of people. There are the rich and poor, the intellectuals, diplomats, blue collar and white collar. There are fools and wise, weak and strong. Some are more financially successful than others. College was either a smooth ride or a difficult test. Jobs have come easily, or skill levels are limited, making it harder for that individual to land a job. Everyone, no matter where you fit on a list of categories or a social class, has experienced success or offered knowledge at some point in their life. We all have something good to contribute!

If we were to be honest, we can say we have made a judgment about a person based on one of the above cultural criteria. There have been times when we chose not to speak because we felt unworthy or unprepared. Have you ever felt "beneath" a person based on how they spoke to you or treated you? Have you figured out a solution to a problem but nobody would listen to you? Have you ever decided someone was unapproachable because of their wealth or position in society?

Paul, the author of this passage, was intelligent, well known, and had had a powerful position in society. When he converted to Christianity his life changed drastically. The lifestyle he led before his conversion served as a tool for his ministry. The gospel message he presented was not characterized by eloquence (although he certainly was capable of it). Rather, it was a declaration of the testimony of God Himself, at work in Paul's life. Paul gave careful thought to his approach, and was considerate of the people who would be listening. Paul had a deep sense of his own insufficiencies, and determined that his ministry be one of modesty and humility. Paul mentioned the Spirit here, knowing the Corinthians thought they knew so much about the Holy Spirit, as they had experienced the gifts of the Spirit, but still had a lot to learn. Paul wanted their faith to stand in the power of God, not in his clever speech or the logic of his arguments.

In verse 2, Paul says, "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and His death on the cross." God looks upon the heart. He does not see the class of a person or their status in society. So, the next time we are in a ministry position (grocery store, work, community event, traffic jam, time with family, etc.), let's be considerate of one another because of what Christ has done for us. God has given us His Spirit; the mind of Christ! There is no place for pride or a know-it-all attitude, or for feeling inadequate to share the gospel. There is no class of people who do not need the Lord! There is wisdom in understanding all cultures need to know about Jesus Christ and His power in their lives. Is there proof of the power of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Lord, help us to be blind to the cultures of those around us in order to see the hearts of the lost and troubled more clearly, as You do. Give us boldness and humility as we share your gospel in word and deed.

Janet Stutzman