Readings for today: 1 Corinthians 5-8
One of the real challenges for the American church today is to overcome the perception that we are hostile and judgmental towards those who do not believe like us. Far too often, the loudest “Christian” voices seem to be the ones that are the harshest and most combative. I think of the preachers who get platformed on cable news or social media. They often make sweeping statements against entire groups of people due to their political beliefs or lifestyle choices. They are known more for what they are against than who they are for. They are often hypocritical, refusing to apply the same litmus tests to those they support or those who can get them access to power and wealth and influence. They are selective in their judgments, tending to elevate some sins and not others. And while this is an effective approach if one wishes to gain followers, likes, clicks, etc. It is counter-productive when it comes to spreading the gospel.
If only we could collectively remember where God found us. If only we could collectively remember how far God has brought us. If only we could remember the depth and depravity of our own sin perhaps we’d be more humble and gentle in our approach. In our reading for today, Paul addresses the pride of the Corinthian Christians. Though God has richly blessed them with every spiritual blessing, they have weaponized their spiritual gifts against each other. They have divided over who is the most holy. Factions have formed around wealth and influence or the lack thereof. It’s heartbreaking. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11a) Paul could easily have gone on to list a thousand more sins but his point is made. All of the Corinthians have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. All of them are unrighteous and therefore unworthy of the Kingdom of God. All of them were without hope of salvation until God delivered them through the shed blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. They were washed in His blood. They were sanctified by His Spirit. They were justified by His atoning death on the cross. It is only by God’s grace that the Corinthians have any faith at all so who are they to condemn those around them?
Yes, we should flee immorality. Yes, we should not turn a blind eye to the sin in our midst. Judgment begins at the house of God according to 1 Peter 4:17. But at the same time, we recognize we are not judge, jury, or executioner. It is not our job to pass judgment and condemn those around us. We are not given such authority. Our job is simply to speak the truth in love. To hold each other accountable with grace and truth. To walk with each other openly and honestly and transparently. Always seeking to build up rather than tear down. Always seeking to repay evil with good. Always offering a gentle answer to turn away wrath. How I wish Christians would listen to the Apostle James when he says, “The anger of man cannot bring about the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20) Two wrongs never make a right. Sin never produces righteousness. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. (Gandhi) Would that we could remember our own spiritual blindness and ignorance as we respond to the brokenness and pain and suffering and injustice and unrighteousness of the world around us! Perhaps it would result in more humility and grace and a greater, more effective witness for the gospel.
Readings for tomorrow: None