1 Corinthians 1:4-9 — I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sometimes I feel an urgency to write these pieces about issues of the day. Sometimes it’s a piece that tries to understand a portion of scripture. Sometimes, though, I just want to worship God. This passage in 1 Corinthians made me feel that way today.

The Corinthians were no angels! In fact in this very letter Paul is going to take them to task for their many failings. Despite their faults God blessed them wonderfully … and that’s a great blessing to me, also a sinner.

The blessings of God begin far back in time. Before ever we are born He chooses us. He confirms that choice and calls us. 

The blessings of God stretch into eternity. We will be blameless when Jesus comes again, able to stand fearlessly in the judgment. 

The testimony of Jesus is confirmed in us — the Holy Spirit is living in us, the helper that He promised to send to us. We “come behind in no gift” — we are completely provides with every spiritual gift we need.

It’s wonderful to me that throughout my eternal life God is providing me with everything I need, doing for me everything that I need to be done.

I’m really excited when I think about everything the Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — means in my life. I’m a little saddened too, though. There are things about my life that are nothing like the return I should be giving to God for all that He gives to me.

I am not as trusting as I should be. With all the evidence I have of God’s goodness, how is it that I can ever worry — yet from time to time I do.

I am not as obedient as I should be. I know what God expects of me. With all I owe Him, why do I disobey?

I am not as grateful as I should be. God has given me everything. Why is there ever a moment when thanks are not bubbling up to my lips?

Faithlessness, disobedience, ingratitude — sins that beset me, and yet God is faithful and will confirm me to the end!