DAY 13
BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Yesterday we saw how the church at Corinth had failed to deal with sin within its membership. Today we see that it had been dealing with other problems, but had been dealing with them in the wrong way. They had used the world's methods and not Christ's. Evidently there had been disputes between church members and to settle them they had taken each other to court, in front of heathen judges. What a testimony!
What was the dispute about? Possibly about money or property. The world would have said, 'You are perfectly within your rights in going to court'. But Christians are under a higher law than the law of this world.
Differences of opinion are sure to arise in almost any church but there is a very definite way to deal with them. It must be according to the New Testament pattern and according to the law of love. Christ's method is clearly outlined in Matthew 18:17.
Paul gives a number of instructions here and some very helpful words. He says, 'Would it be such a terrible thing if you did suffer loss? Wouldn't that be better than taking a fellow Christian to court? Why not just say, '.I leave it all with the Lord. I am not going to say anything about it. I am not going to do anything about it. If others wrong me, Jesus understands. He was wronged so terribly himself and I can trust him to do what is right for me."
That is not easy to do. If you find yourself faced with this kind of situation, read Psalm 37 and put yourself afresh in the Lord's hands. Be prepared to suffer loss for Christ's sake but at the same time commit your way to the Lord. He will work out what is best for you.
What methods is your church using to solve difficulties? The world's methods or Christ's methods? Remember what Christ has done for you. Remember how he has helped you in the past. You are trusting him for the future, so why not trust him for the present too?
A PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord, help me live today in the way that will show I am trusting you.
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