Why Turn to the World?

Verse of the Day: 1 Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?

When we read this verse, and chapter, it really is sad to think that as born again believers, even today, we still, in many local churches, have the inability to resolve our own issues within the church. Too often, churches are torn apart by inner strife, and we bring shame to the Lord’s name because we bring issues before the unsaved world, for them to resolve, that should be resolved, in a godly way, amongst the people of God. Do God’s people really lack the wisdom necessary to come to a godly and peaceful conclusion when it comes to matters of conflict between two Christians? Do we not have the Word of God and the Spirit of God indwelling us to give us guidance and direction? Is it not absurd to think that we, who will someday judge angels, cannot make judgment in respect to matters of this life (v. 3)? How is it that those that someday will be judged by God (the unsaved) are being called upon, by God’s people, to resolve the issues of those that will someday rule, reign, and judge with Christ (1 Cor 5:13)? Sadly, I see an abundance of commercials, today, with lawyers offering their services so that people can get “the money they deserve” by suing others for their pain. What I find even sadder is that Christians are buying into this mindset as well. The end result is that more and more Christians are turning to the world’s court system to “get back what they deserve”, completely disregarding the fact that as born again believers God showed us mercy and did not give us what we deserve. Jesus told the story of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21-35, where a servant was forgiven a great debt by his master; yet, he went and had a fellow servant imprisoned because he could not pay him a much smaller debt. The master, upon finding out was greatly angered and imprisoned the unforgiving servant for his refusal to show the same mercy to someone who owed him a smaller debt. When we consider the great debt that we have been forgiven of, by God, and given eternal life (which none of us deserve); how is it that we cannot forgive others’ offenses toward us, and debts owed to us, which do not measure in comparison? Do we not realize that the devil uses these opportunities to make us look like fools before the world? I have even seen Christians go to court, in suing a fellow Christian, and trying to explain to an unsaved judge, and courtroom of unsaved onlookers, how their viewpoint, and stance, is correct, based on biblical principles; only to be laughed at because God’s truth and ways are foolishness to this world. Even though a judgment is eventually made, and someone wins their case, sadly, it is Christianity that loses because it is now held in contempt in the eyes of the unsaved people in this world (the same ones we are called to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to). The fact that the Apostle uses the word “dare” to begin his statement implies that their action toward one another is inconsistent and inappropriate amongst God’s people. What was the Apostles solution to being wronged or cheated by another brother/sister? In verse 7 of this chapter he tells them that it is utter failure that they have turned to the unsaved world, and why not accept being wronged and cheated? In other words, why not forgive the offense, count it a loss, and allow God to judge between you and the person who caused the harm? Well, the answer to that is usually our pride, our inability and unwillingness to forgive. The Apostle then reminds these believers that the unrighteous will not inherit Heaven, and that at one time they too (and we too) were like them, before they accepted Jesus as their Savior, and were adopted into God’s family. In other words, why are they behaving as if they are still children of the devil when they are now children of God? If we are going to stand apart from this world and its way of doing things, then we must learn how to resolve issues of offenses, wrongs, and losses amongst ourselves, in a way that does not bring shame to the Gospel, and to Jesus; and instead, in a manner that will glorify God, and a way that will promote peace and unity within the body of Christ.

Each of us had a debt to pay, but Jesus came and paid that price in our place (1 John 2:2; 4:10). Instead of condemnation, He offers us eternal life (Rom 6:23). Regardless of your past and what you have done, call upon Him today, repenting and confessing your sins; accepting His free gift of eternal life (Rom 6:23; 10:13).