2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Nehemiah 11:1-12:26 ESV, 1 Corinthians 10:14-33 ESV, Psalm 34:11-22 ESV,
Daily Verse: “I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.” (1 Corinthians 10:15 ESV)
PHRONIMOUS (5429): “Means, “prudent, sensible, practically wise.”[i]
Practically wise.
Sensible people possess practical wisdom. They don’t jump to conclusions nor let their emotions rule them. Instead, even keeled people take time to research and find out the facts before making a judgment. Paul appeals to the Corinthians’ sensible side to draw their conclusions.
In today’s world, people struggle to find the truth. And, sadly, more concern themselves with narrative instead of facts. Whoever can push their narrative the furthest wins, but stories based on lies eventually fall apart.
“A lie gets halfway around the world before truth puts on its boots.” Winston Churchill
Find truth.
Paul asks the Corinthians to look at the facts of his life. Coming from a life of persecuting Christ’s followers, Paul now begs people to believe in the Savior.
People can’t debate the life change Paul exemplifies. From killing followers of the “Way,” Paul became a living sacrifice for Christ, voluntarily suffering so others may know Jesus. When the Corinthians look at the facts of Paul’s life, they will know he speaks the truth.
And if we live for Jesus, people should see the truth in our lives. We become more like Christ by applying His teachings to our daily activities. Striving to develop healthy relationships woven together with love takes work.
Following Christ means everyone shares the same assignment: to love God and others. How we complete our job differs. Unique gifts create different journeys. Together we become one body. Nothing grows you closer to God than loving people well for Him. You quickly realize that God expects you to love the people you don’t like. Learning to love the unlovable draws you closer to Jesus.
We live for Jesus. From Christ, we learn practical wisdom applicable to our daily lives. Seeking the truth of Jesus will help us become more sensible.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 367) Thomas Nelson
