Out Of Order, 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

“ If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? (1 Corinthians 6:1)"

“Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church?” (1 Corinthians 6:4)

Today’s passage is such a good one. It gets right to the heart of who we should be as Christians. Paul is very clear in telling us that we should not take fellow Christians to court. Let’s look at reasons why.

First, as Christians we have the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ, we should be able to prayerfully handle disputes that come up, and not go to those who lack God’s wisdom to decide how we are to live. Non Christians will probably not care about Christian values.

Secondly, many court cases are filed out of revenge and Christians should not be motivated by revenge, but rather love. If we find ourselves wanting a brother to "get what is coming to him" where is our heart?

Third, lawsuits not only make us look bad, but they remove the focus from God, and that is never good. Our purpose as believers is to point people to God. We will have disputes because we are human but that does not justify us continuing to act human, we need to tap into the Spirit’s wisdom and seek a Godly resolution.

Read today’s passage at Biblegateway 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

Matthew 25:31-46

There have been a number of stories which tell of acts of kinds.  A movie titled Pay it Forward, is about where random acts of kindness; the recipients were encouraged to perform another in return, or pay it forward.

The scripture lesson for today is about treating our Christian brothers and sisters with kindness.  We are to treat everyone as we would treat Jesus.  The reasoning is that those who don't yet know the Savior, will see our behavior and be amazed.  They will witness our love and want some of it for themselves.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" (Matthew 35:40)

At first read I thought that gave me a free pass, an easy out.  If I am generous and loving to those I already know it won't be that much of a struggle or challenge, I can do that.  Then I recalled a number of those people whom I find extremely difficult to deal with.  I wonder, who was watching.

When in the grocery line or at the bureau of motor vehicles or the restaurant, I don’t know if those around me are Christian, how then do I behave?  I do know that Jesus loves them and that should be enough for me.  I am thinking right now of those who are part of the Kairos prison ministry - loving the unlovable; the faithful who serve on short-term missions - loving the impoverished...just what Jesus would do.

Read today's Scripture at Biblegateway.

Day of Judgment - Matthew 25:31-46

As I was reading the text for today I was surprised to read in a commentary, "If Christians who have resources, would help needy fellow Christians, non-Christians would be totally persuaded of the reality of Christian love."  I guess my surprise stemmed from the fact I was looking at giving and serving in a totally different light.  For some reason I equated helping the needy with helping the non-believer, but this makes so much more sense.

There is a song I remember singing with the line, "They will know we are Christians by our love."  The basis of our judgment will be how we cared for and loved God's people.  Jesus wants to invite us to join Him in Heaven, but if we don't know Him, we can't expect to receive an invitation.  It seems a key phase is God's people, for aren't we all His people?  Doesn't He want a relationship with each of us?

Giving of our time and our gifts to others, serves God.  Sharing our 'things' with others, serves God.  Touching the lives of others, serves God.  These all build our relationship with one another and with God.  Our generosity with God's people will result in God's generosity with us.  He will know we are Christian, followers of His Son, by our love.  We will hear the words, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." (Matthew 25:34)

To read the complete text for today click here .  To return to this posting hit the back arrow.