Jehovah's Witnesses Straight Talk - Forum/Blog

1Cor.4:12 We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.

Yes, slaves work with their own hands, they toil under the hot sun, appearing curse to the wealthy, they are persecuted with out the same rights as the rich, they cannot cheat and steal then buy their way out of trouble with high dollar attorneys. Nor do they have friends in high places because who wants to associated with a slave that clean up after the luxury of the rich? Who wants to say this lowly slave is my best friend? No that not the way of the world, riches come from knowing the rich and being in the enter circle, name dropping always helps so one can gain the trust of others.

Here in Corinthian congregation was the lust pounding into the heart of the flesh, driving it to justify anything raised up lofty against their desire to be somebody in this world by material blessings. They would take spiritual things of the Christ and transform them into material blessing and position for without position material blessing do not exist, they must create position of power to control others finance. Yes, right down to a nation that demand a percentage of tax to supply the leaders so powerful need not toil, but instead doing the works of an administrator of laws. But Paul and those he taught worked with their own hands, how could a king a leader work with his own hands, so thought those in power?

Paul was putting the truth of Christ squarely before any of those that did not want to be swept up into nets of false religion if they wanted the truth, but at the same time is was comforting the brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus that were suffering at the hands of the world, proving they were not curse, and sinning against God, it was the other way around, and because they were walking in love and felt unworthy of such a great calling - proved the harsh, and unloving conduct of those seeking riches in this world by laws of the flesh. Love of neighbor was not the motive of those wanting riches, pride was, although they may have used some of it too help others, love does not work for a business person in this world of rebellion against God. But instead harsh laws, the demanding performance in work, driving fear into people making them obey. Those walking in love, would lose on earth too the power of false brothers as they build their way into great institutions of religions over taking the field of wheat with weed, but soon the table would be turned at Christ Jesus coming.