Passage for reflection: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
I recently listened as a salesperson spoke eloquently and with great passion. His presentation was polished and perspicacious; his approach was problematic and pretentious. The message he was delivering was likely factually correct, but it was unhelpful. Rather than learning about my needs and tailoring a presentation to address them, he was more concerned with impressing me with his vast product knowledge and sticking to a predetermined script.
In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul shares his approach to engaging the Corinthians. It was exactly the opposite of what I encountered with the salesperson. Paul approached his work with genuine humility, and a deep reliance on the work of the Spirit. A contemporary paraphrase (The Message), explains this well: Paul didn’t try to impress with “polished speeches and the latest philosophy” (v.1). Instead, he “deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did” (v.2).
A week or so after my encounter with the first salesperson, I ended up purchasing what I needed from someone who was far more relational, and who kept his approach simple.
In the midst of a global pandemic when the needs around us are so great, I scratch my head any time well-meaning individuals, churches, or faith-based non-profit organizations issue statements or engage in actions that ignore present realities.
Perhaps it’s time to declare a new liturgical season: Keep it Simple.
During Keep it Simple, followers of the way of Jesus will get back to the basics of faith – put Jesus first, trust in the power of the Spirit, and live out our love for God by loving our neighbors.
Let’s get started.
This post was originally published in the Lectionary for Life Series for the Center for Congregational Ethics on September 16, 2021.