For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Cor. 2:2)
My husband and I had two sons sixteen months apart, and the early years were rough. More-experienced parents kept telling us it would get easier over time—and it did, but not for the reasons we expected. Every year has gotten more complicated. For instance, our boys learned language, which meant their immediate physical needs weren’t as mysterious, but now their emotional needs are far more complex.
Parenting feels less hectic these days, but it can also feel infinitely more complicated. Yet, anytime we feel overwhelmed, my husband and I can return to the fundamentals of parenting: the most important thing is to love your child. The rest—from changing diapers to teaching about Jesus—follows.
In the same way we return to love when parenting, Paul returned to Jesus when writing to the Corinthians. When Paul said he “resolved to know nothing . . . except Jesus Christ and him crucified,” he’s not ignoring all the complicated parts of Christian maturation—rather, he’s returning to the fundamentals. It’s no surprise that this return comes at the beginning of a chapter all about growing in maturity. As a number of proverbs and psalms remind us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Start with Christ, who not only covered our sins, but also brings us into closer relationship with God the Father, and all else will follow.
Share with one person what Christ has done for you.
Lindsey Priest is an Indiana Wesleyan University graduate who lives in Arkansas. She likes to read to her kids, play video games with her husband, and refurbish furniture.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
