Intro

We live in a world where we are taught to think a lot about ourselves (our thoughts, feelings, aspirations). Satisfy your desires, they say. You have the right to “do you.” At the same time, psychologists tell us that the more we think about ourselves, the more unhappy we will be.

Pastor-theologian Tim Keller famously tweeted, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less”. Missionary statesman Dixon Edward Hoste said, “Live to be forgotten, so Christ can be remembered.” Should we think about ourselves less?

In our text today, Paul returns to his conversation about the radical difference between human wisdom and the wisdom of God (found in 1:18-2:16), and he addresses two very important questions: (1) how should we think about ourselves? (2) how should we think about others?

Questions for Reflection:

1. Who do you look to for affirmation? Do you need to make a change?
2. Who do you influence? Do you need to change the example you provide?
3. If you are a disciple of Jesus, you are called to steward the mysteries of God. In what sphere or network of relationships are you called to do this?