In the following directives I have no praise for you…(1 Corinthians 11:17).

May I just say that this verse terrifies me?

I realize that this is Paul speaking, not the Lord himself, but Paul is inspired by God in his writing, so…

As a teacher I have always believed that you should lead with the positive. I will scour a student’s paper, looking for anything good to say about it before I drop the hammer. I’m pretty sure Paul understands this concept.

But this line is all hammer.

Beloved, before we even move into what has Paul so hammery,  I suggest we take a moment, a la Psalm 139: 

“Search me, oh God, and know my heart.”

Is there anything in your life right now that might spur God to say, “In this area I have no praise for you?” If so, perhaps now is the time to deal with it, hmm? 

Happy Thursday, Beloved