We hear from Paul’s 2nd
letter to the Corinthians this week in our first readings. Paul founded the Christian community
in Corinth and then moved on to Ephesus. He wrote letters back to the
Corinthians to encourage them and to give them advice. We get the impression, however, that
things are not always wonderful between Paul and the Corinthians. Paul seems to be on the defensive
today, doesn’t he, defending the accusations of him being two-face, a “yes”
person and a “no” person at the same time. I recently saw an internet post by a
Methodist pastor, saying that he always asks his congregation to pray for him
and his staff. It is important to pray
for our leaders, to wish them well, to pray that they succeed and can lead us
with integrity and humility. It seems like we in the modern world
like to bring down our leaders, don’t we, to relish in seeing those who were
successful fail. It’s easy to criticize someone for his efforts, to tear down
the kingdom rather than to build it up. We might ask ourselves how we can be
men and women of integrity as we live out the Gospel in our lives. And most importantly, I try to ask
myself: Are my actions trying to build up God’s kingdom, or are they trying to
tear it down?
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