No doubt the Corinthians were arranging their lives around fulfilling worldly goals — personal well being, material prosperity, professional success, health, long life. Paul is exasperated: how could they be so foolish! Had they totally forgotten the message he preached to them! But he softens his message by reminding them that “all belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God.” Paul doesn’t seem to be accusing the Corinthians of living sinful lives but rather of living disordered lives. Their lives were “off center, ” centered on worldly goals. They had not integrated these goals with living the Gospel so they must refocus their lives. Why? Paul puts it bluntly: You belong to Christ! In every age we Christians — yes, even conscientious Christians — experience the same temptation as the Corinthians. Our lives may not be sinful but they are frequently “off-center.” We too are often caught up in the foolishness of the wisdom of this world, forgetting to Whom we belong. Paul’s words remain important reminders to us: We do not belong primarily to this world; we belong to Christ. Consequently we also must refocus our lives. Jesus puts it succinctly: Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven! |