What Does a Normal Cross-Section of Christians Look Like?

For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble. --I Corinthians 1:26

I would add to the list in that scripture verse. There are those that have had divorces, affairs, rebellious children, depression, anxiety, failed careers, dissatisfaction, anger, disappointments, brushes with suicide, and more. This list reflects a cross-section of believers that is only vexing if our goal is to display perfect flesh. However, when our goal is the preparation and perfection of the spirit, we see that many of these things are necessary, for because of them there will occur the loss of self-glory, pride, righteousness, strength, and kingdoms. All of these things are hindrances that need removal before we can manifest the fruit of the Spirit and His life,which is the true goal of the faith. Well-adjusted flesh may make us comfortable and look quite nice to us, but it carries with it a self-satisfied stench to the Lord that proves it is not the proper goal of our lives in Christ.

It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad that the typical church dwells on the things of “the flesh” instead of focusing completely on helping its membership know, possess, and manifest the fruit of the Spirit and the Life of Christ.  And how terribly sad it is that the focus actually works to prohibit the true goal of God from becoming known to most and very rarely experienced.  Well, amen.