«And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God»  (l Corinthians 2:1). 

PAUL WAS a great theologian, teacher, and preacher. But when he went to visit the brethren at Corinth, his stance was of humility and simplicity. What we notice is that Paul’s preaching was not based on ostentation of reasoning or wanting to impress with his learning; it was based on philosophical arguments. He went to the brethren with the power and wisdom of God, which surpass those of the world, and which are the real agents of true change.

However, the apostle recognized that people do not always accept the wisdom and power of God. People often believe that what comes from God seems strange or foolish. The problem is that many people want to understand God’s ways and His will from the naturalistic perspective, from their limited vision, when things concerning God must be understood from a spiritual and eternal perspective (see I Cor. 2:14).

Paul argues that understanding and accepting God’s ways and His will is possible as long as we have «the mind of Christ» (v. 16); that is, being united to Him by the Holy Spirit, whose presence is equivalent to that of Jesus. By way of the Holy Spirit, Jesus dwells in the believer and grants us His wisdom and His inexhaustible power. Ihus, «we have been given Christ’s way of thinking» (v. 16, ERV).

The petroleum available to us needs to be prudently and wisely used so that it does not run out, and we need to look for new substitute resources. More than just ecological concerns, the issue is linked to strong social, political, and economic interests. Oil provides energy that is indispensable for daily life. From our food being produced, transported, and packaged, to any other activity, we are processing energy. Energy moves the world. It is impossible to live without energy. To have energy is to have power. Few know it and many suffer.

On the spiritual level, it is also impossible to live without energy. We need life-giving oil. There are no substitutes or additional sources. There is only one Source of power, full and abundant, and at zero cost for all users. Paul went to the Corinthians in the name of that power.

» When Christ abides in the heart by faith, His Spirit becomes a power to purify and vivify the soul. Truth in the heart cannot fail of having a correcting influence upon the life» (Counsels to Parents, Teacher, and Students, p. 223). 

The power of God is within our reach today to awaken and liven up our nature. 

Grant Him permission so He can act.