For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. - 1 Corinthians 2.2 Corinth was a city much like many large cities in America.  Full of hustle and bustle.  Full of idolatry, distractions and decadence.  Political deceit, intrigue and a love for fame and fortune reigned supreme. For the Christian convert, however, it was a city full of trials, tribulations and temptations. Bacchanalian feasts, affluence and sexual temptation filled the streets.  Sin was strong in the common market and its hardening influence was creeping into the hearts of believers (Heb 3.13, 1 Cor 5.1). There was religious favoritism and the love of great oratory.  There were rich believers, poor believers and division between them both.  There was the misunderstanding and misuse of spiritual giftedness and the desire to denounce the Apostles and embrace false doctrine.  Unrepentant sin opened the door to sickness and, for some, even death (1 Cor 11.30). In the midst of these distractions, Paul knew that the most important thing he could do, the most important thing he could concentrate on, the most important activity he could engage in was the unwavering pursuit to know Christ more.  The best that he could do for those under his care was to blaze a trail toward Christ and His Crucifixion. How?  Determination and decision.  Paul made up his mind to know nothing while he was with the Corinthians except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  He had decided not to let anything distract him from the focused pursuit of a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Once such a decision is made, the temptations of life become easier to overcome.  The struggle between the spirit and the flesh (1 Pet 2.11) subsides and the right path to choose becomes clearer and easier to follow. We, like Paul, must decide to know Christ more.