1 Corinthians 3:18-23

1 Corinthians 3:18-23
English Standard Version (ESV)

  The wisdom of the world teaches us about scarcity.  It teaches us that in order for us to succeed, someone else must slip further down the ladder, because there is only so much to go around.  This creates an urgency in us to get there first, and it also teaches us fear -- for if someone else is getting ahead, then there is only so much left for us.  We fear outsiders due to this mindset, because they are going to consume some of the limited supply, increasing the uncertainty in our own lives.  Scarcity motivates us.
  The wisdom of God seems foolish in comparison.  The wisdom of God teaches us that we can relax, because there is enough.  We don't have to be afraid -- God's favor exists in abundance for each of us, so that even if we were the only ones, there would still be more than enough.  All things are ours, no matter who we are.  Death cannot prevent such blessings, and the richness of God overflows for all, so we can welcome others into our lives and share our abundance with them, because there is enough.
  One of these paths sows fear, while the other spreads life and love.  May we choose to rest in the abundance of God, following it out into the world to announce that the richness of God is enough for us all.