August 01, 2010
Explore the Bible Sunday School Lesson
Faithful reflections
Mary Kisor, member, First Church of Dardanelle
As I write this lesson, our son has just come back from Iraq, and our granddaughter has returned from Afghanistan. We celebrate their service to our country and their safe return to us. But they have paid a great price for our freedom.
Paul writes to the Corinthians, a people in turmoil in their church and in their society. He encourages them to build on the experiences and sufferings they have endured in order to help others who suffer.
We live in a world that refuses to accept truth and limits. Yet, the same people who ignore the truth and comfort of a relationship with Jesus ache with the pain of isolation, job loss, financial setbacks and failed relationships, all the while seeking comfort from the empty advice of society. “Eat more, eat less, drink this, wear that, use this cosmetic, exercise, drive this car and you will be happy,” urges society, but in vain.
Going back to my soldiers, they have what they call “Battle Buddies,” someone who has gone through conflict with them, someone they trust with their very lives. Paul urges the Corinthians to remember Christ as their “Battle Buddy.” Christ endured everything the world can do to the believer, yet He triumphed. Paul’s testimony is the testimony of Christ – a clear message of hope and truth.
I often tell my husband I would like to have an adventure. What greater adventure can there be than to rise to the challenge Paul urges believers then and now to embrace? Paul urges us to conduct ourselves in this world with God-given sincerity and purity by His grace.
In Galatians, Paul speaks of the armor of the Christian. He does not mention protection for the soldier’s back. That is because during battle the soldiers stood back-to-back, each protecting the other. This is a perfect picture of the Christian in today’s world. Paul challenges us to “stand,” to become a battle buddy for others, standing back-to-back during the world’s assault on truth.
Paul tells us the way we develop integrity in our relationships is simple. Tell the truth, live the truth. When you say yes, keep it yes. Simple, but not easy. We develop integrity by applying what we learn on our knees. Become a battle buddy.
Christians are watched closely by society. We need to support and pray for each other rather than find fault.