Continuing to read Paul’s opening words to the Corinth church. A church not “lacking in any gift” (1Cor. 1:7). Yet also a church not lacking in any drama, for “there is quarreling among you” (1Cor. 1:11). And that’s the just the beginning of the list of issues Paul’s going to address. I’ve read the letter enough times to know that, beyond the drama and division, we ain’t seen nothing yet! Buckle up! Dis church has a lot of dysfunction.

And so, Paul’s gonna have an exhortation or two along the way. Some to do’s which he will encourage the Corinthians to be doing — and some to stop doing. It’s the first of those “commands to obey” in this letter that causes me to pause this morning.

For consider your calling, brothers . . . (1Corinthians 1:26a ESV)

They were jockeying for position within their ecclesiastical food chain, and that based on who they followed. Quarreling about whether they were disciples of Paul or Apollos or Cephas (Peter) or – for the really spiritual among them — just Jesus. That somehow their Christian celebrity of choice should confer some prestige within their church of choice. To which Paul says, in effect, “You wanna take stock of where you’re at? Think about where you’ve come from.”

Consider your calling. Noodle on who you were. Remember how you ended up where you are.

I’m imagining this conversation . . .

       “Hello, I’d like to apply to be a child of God and a follower of Jesus.”

       “You can’t apply, you must be called.”

       “Okay then, I’m inquiring because I think I sense Him calling.”

       “Alright. Let’s see if you measure up. Would you be considered by this world to be among the brightest and best?”

       “Nope.”

       “How about influential?”

       “Not really.”

       “Do you at least come from a family of standing?”

       “Uh, not so much.”

       “Well then, would foolish, feeble, and/or forgotten by the world fit better with your resume?”

       “Yeah, that’s more like it.”

       “Good! You may be just what we’re looking for.”

God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

(1Corinthians 1:27-29 ESV)

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling.

(Agustus Toplady, Rock of Ages)

Consider your calling . . . Nothing to brag about.

Saved only by His grace. Saved only for His glory.