About Jesus  -  Steve Sweetman

Feeling Ignored?

Have you ever felt ignored by those in your local community of the saints, and for the life of you, you just can't figure out why?  Despite the possibility you may need to change your deodorant, or actually start wearing some, there might be another reason for you to consider.   

In 1 Corinthians 14:36 to 38 the Apostle Paul wrote this.  "Did the Word of God originate with you?  Or are you the only people it has reached?  If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted let him acknowledge that what I am saying to you is the Lord's command.  If he (the gifted one) ignores this, he (the gifted one) himself will be ignored."

One thing we learn from 1 Corinthians 14 is that some believers at Corinth were spiritually gifted, and, some of these spiritually gifted were using their gifts to enhance their reputation.  For them, it was all about self promotion instead of serving those to whom they were joined in the Body of Christ.  The above two questions suggest the so-called spiritually special people thought they were the center of the Christian universe, which they were not.

Paul went on to say that if those spiritually gifted ones failed to obey the Lord's command on this matter, which in context meant they should humbly serve their brothers and sisters in Jesus, they would be ignored.  That's not a deep theological revelation.  It's simple common sense, a reality of human behaviour and healthy human relationships.  People don't like associating with arrogant know-it-alls.  They prefer to be around people who love, care and serve.

If you are feeling out of the loop and a bit ignored, it could be that you need to change your deodorant.  On the other hand, maybe Paul's admonition to the Corinthian believers is something you might want to consider.