Day 235: Psalm 119:49-104; 1 Corinthians 4

"For the Kingdom of God is not in word (logos) but in power (dunamis)" (1 Corinthians 4:20, literal).

Paul has a way with words. Sometimes his run-on sentences make you pause in deliberate pondering. At other times, he packs a punch in a few words that leave you wondering: what just happened? A lot of the problem in Corinth had to do with 'word'...yes, read logos in context. The Corinthian divide was much about attachment to persons (master to student, teacher to disciple). What distinguishes leaders...the words they use. In this context 'word' (logos) is the prime principle, the underlying or over-arching essence (idea) of what they teach. It is a term of philosophy. The danger of teachings is one can be much more concerned about what is said than about how one lives. Paul is speaking directly to our age with the stress on words without the grasp of outcomes, and the danger multiplied by people who are given a platform who never have to live in the consequence of their own 'whacky' ideology, while they stir up people who dive into a frenzy of folly they can't possibly maintain. Add to all of this social media, where the number of followers one has is much more important than the content of ones message. Yes, Paul speaks to today. This is not the Kingdom of God! The Kingdom of God is power to live God's way with God's enablement. Psalm 119 in all its length is a reminder that God's way is light and life, and living it out with a humble, dependent, surrendered spirit allows God to work His power in and through our lives. Yes, words/ideas matter! But, the Truth that sets us free can be lived powerfully in a world that is enchained by hellish ideas that lead to destruction. Come, let us know Christ and live in the power of His life, His resurrection, by the power of the Spirit who guides us into all truth in right living (i.e. holiness).

Give me life in accordance with your faithful love, and I will obey the decree you have spoken. (Psalm 119:88, CSB).