WEEK 1 FRIDAY | NICKY GANGEMI
1 Corinthians 15:30-34
Read 1 Corinthians 15:30-34
What kind of challenges has Paul faced for believing and preaching the gospel of the resurrection?
But if the dead are not raised, how does Paul say people should live instead?
What is Paul rebuking the Corinthians for?
I have some friends and their main concerns in life are: where they are going on their next big holiday, how to make their house look as beautiful as a picture out of a magazine, how they can earn the most money, and be “bikini-bod ready” for summer. And when I chat to them, it makes sense. They are convinced they have 80-90 years of life on this earth and that’s it. After that, nothing. And if this life is all there is, then of course they’re going to: eat, drink, and enjoy it all now! Do you know people like this? Their Instagram, their sporting skills, their sense of fashion – they’ve got to be amazing now, because life doesn’t last forever!
However, Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians, Christians have different priorities. The resurrection changes how we view life – we know that death is not the end! We don’t only have 80-90 years on this earth, we have all of eternity – and that’s a really long time!
But even though we know that death is not the end, it can be really tempting to follow the crowd and live as though it is. Instead of living for eternity, we can be tempted to think it’s our stuff that matters – our money, our phones, our followers on social media. Or we can be tempted to strive for the best possible ATAR, to get the best possible job, and be successful and rich! (Or at least comfortable.) And we can be tempted to make our life all about being liked or funny, or making it to the top in our sport.
But the reality is that none of these things go with us when we die. We cannot take any of it into eternity. It can be easy to chase after the stuff of this life, because they are here and now, and right in front of us. Surely they’re worth trusting in? But like the Corinthians, we need to have a head and heart check, and be reminded of God’s eternal perspective and priorities. And as we live in light of these, we will begin to stand out. Maybe you’ll prioritise serving at kids church rather than some extra study time? Maybe you’ll save up some of your money to donate to a Christian organisation or buy some Christian books rather than buy a new phone? Maybe you won’t spend that lunchtime with your friends because you’re going to the Christian group? Maybe you’ll invite them to come too?
Sometimes standing out and being different is really hard. In Paul’s case, it meant his neck was on the line! But we know it is worth it, because eternity is real, and it’s so much better and longer than just the short time we have here on earth.
So can I encourage you, when you are tempted to think you only live once (#YOLO), or that you’ve got to squeeze all the fun and comfort and success as you can out of this short life, look back to Jesus and to His death and resurrection. Knowing we will live for eternity changes our perspective and our priorities – we’re on about Jesus, and the stuff that lasts. So, live your life with an eternal goal, not just a goal for the coming days, weeks, months, and years. Stand firm in God’s promise of resurrection and stand out amongst your friends in a way that brings glory to God!
REFLECT
If a stranger looked at your life, what might they think you’re living for? Are you living for something that lasts?
What are some challenges we can endure, knowing we will live for eternity?
What are some things that you can prioritise less or give up, and what will you prioritise more, knowing we will live for eternity?
PRAY
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to keep eternity as my focus. Help me not to become distracted by the things in this world. When I stand out because I have different priorities to my friends please keep me bold for Your sake. Amen.
Meet the Writer:
NICKY GANGEMI
We asked our writers:
1. What year did you put your trust in Jesus and add your name to the list of resurrection witnesses?
2. Tell us something you're looking forward to in eternity?
3. What's one way you’re involved in the work of the Lord, i.e. eternal work (1 Cor 15:58)
“My name was added to the list of witnesses when I was really young - I don't remember a time when I didn't trust Jesus. I'm really looking forward to bodies that never get hurt or start to not work as well; to no more pain or crying or tears! It's going to be such a joyous place! I do the work of the Lord each day teaching my son about Jesus and how to live for Him. We love praying together and reading the Bible before bed."
