1 Corinthians: You Are a People - Part 2

Paul refers to the Corinthians as ‘Saints’ or ‘sanctified’, terms implying they are ‘set apart’ for a unique purpose. But what does it mean to be set apart? The Met Gala’s theme last Monday was inspired by J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story, "The Garden of Time." This tale features Count Axel and his wife, who live in a grand villa with a garden of mysterious "time flowers" that slow time when plucked. As an angry mob approaches, the Count uses the flowers to delay the inevitable destruction, while the Countess plays Mozart and the Count tends to his library. This story mirrors the disparity between the privileged few and the struggling masses, a theme highlighted by Rosalind Jana in her critique of the Gala. She notes the irony of celebrities in lavish attire amidst images of poverty, pondering if the event’s organizers are hinting at class rebellion. Christians sometimes project an image akin to Met Gala attendees, as if sainthood and holiness grant a superior, detached status. However, Paul uses metaphors to counter this misconception. He calls the Corinthians ‘God’s Temple,’ emphasizing their role as a bridge between heaven and earth, a place where God’s presence is uniquely manifested. This metaphor signifies that being ‘set apart’ means being deeply connected with people, serving to draw them closer to God and each other. For Paul, being set apart does not imply detachment but rather a closeness to people, aimed at fostering unity and spiritual connection.

 

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