7 “So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.” -1 Corinthians 3
The words above were written to a young church in the city of Corinth. Paul, an instrument of the Holy Spirit, had also written:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Corinth was already an ancient city when these words were written. It was an important commercial center with two harbors and had long been a rival to Athens which is about 50 miles to the East. Corinth had a reputation for sexual immorality. It was permitted under the widely popular worship of Aphrodite (also known as Venus, the goddess of fertility and sexuality).
The message in 1 Corinthians is clear. Even if the death and resurrection of Jesus is unimportant to the world, it is at the center of the Christian message. The words in this letter were particularly powerful for a new group of believers struggling to let go of worldly things and learning to follow Jesus.
So, how is it dear friend that you are able to let go of worldly things?
If you are trying to do it in your own strength, may I suggest that you are going about it the wrong way?
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
We must remain in Him. Read God’s Word for the strength to help you through what you are facing. Continue in His Word.
The Bible says: “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This is verse that Christians lean upon heavily.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to understand what God would have you learn as you read the scriptures.
May God bless you as you continue on.
Chris Reimers
Wings of the Wind 
Thank you, Chris. Nothing apart from Christ will ever work or matter. Also, I love coneflowers!
You’re welcome, Sue, and you know that I’m completely with you that nothing apart from Christ will ever work or matter.
I think coneflowers are my favorite. They bloom for a long time and they really attract the butterflies as you well know. I really appreciate your comment, Sue.
Amen! 🙏
Beautiful coneflower. 🌸
Thank you, T! 🦋(Coneflowers attract butterflies!)
Cool I love butterflies. 🦋
Me too, T’!🦋
Beautiful photo Chris… and thanks for these wise words and accompanying scripture. This is what’s needed in the lives of professing Christians in any age.
Thank you for your kind words, Elizabeth. I really appreciate your comment.
Very nice.
Thank you, Vijay.
You are most welcome.
Beautiful flower and beautiful words. If we know the Lord and have the Scriptures we have everything. We are a blessed people!
Thank you for your kind words, Cathy. We are, indeed, a blessed people!
“Even if the death and resurrection of Jesus is unimportant to the world, it is at the center of the Christian message.” – – –
But can it be unimportant to “the world”? Hmm, I suppose I am quite worldly: I care about the existence of Christ in the world and the message of Christianity in this world. Perhaps exactly because of the ‘state’ this world is in!
But perhaps your reasoning is about a different kind of reasoning or experiencing, Chris?
Hi Marianne and thank you for your comment.
I was referring back to the verse I shared that states:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Maybe I went a bit to far by how I framed it. The message of the cross is of utmost importance to the world. Sadly, as the verse puts it, so many don’t see it that way. That’s what I was trying to communicate.
Your comment is priceless:
“I care about the existence of Christ in the world and the message of Christianity in this world. Perhaps exactly because of the ‘state’ this world is in!”
Amen, Marianne. We all need the message of the cross as much now as ever.
I am always so grateful for your comments.
Thanks for the encouragement, Chris.
RE: We must remain in Him. Read God’s Word for the strength to help you through what you are facing. Continue in His Word.
Yes, it’s vital for believers to read God’s Word daily.
You’re welcome, Tom, and Amen to daily Bible reading. When I miss a day for some reason, I get back on the horse the next. Some people think they have to do too much. I remember a time when I disciplined myself to read 10 chapters a day. Some days were great but in the end for me it became more about the goal than the content. It should always be about the content no matter how much one reads. I would be satisfied to read Psalm 1 everyday. It only takes 30 seconds. The thing is that reading Psalm 1 makes one want to learn more. It says:
“Blessed is the one…..whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
After reading something like that, I want to know more.
I always appreciate your comments, Tom. Thank you.
A thoughtful and encouraging reminder.
Thank you for pointing readers back to dependence on God rather than our own strength.
May God continue to use your words to encourage and strengthen others in their walk with Him. 🙏📖❤️
You’re welcome, Willie, and thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I’m very appreciative of your encouragement and glad you think this post might help others. To God be the glory for the great things He has done.
God’s blessings my friend…
Amen 🙏