Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

1 Corinthians 6:1-11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

When any of you has a grievance against another, do you dare to take it to court before the unrighteous, instead of taking it before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels—to say nothing of ordinary matters? If you have ordinary cases, then, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to decide between one believer and another, but a believer goes to court against a believer—and before unbelievers at that? In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—and believers at that.

Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers—none of these will inherit the kingdom of God. And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

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Reflect

In the news, there are lawsuits happening frequently. Whether it be because of a car wreck or large corporations trying to belittle the competition, society has become one big lawsuit. In the scripture, lawsuits are said to be of this world and not something Christians should have concern within their lives.

Paul is telling us as Christians we should rise above the trivial discussions of earthly matters and concern ourselves more with spiritual issues. If we cannot agree on an issue, then it is still best to settle it outside of the court system. In other words, settle it in a Christ-like manner.

At the beginning of the summer, the small town I live in experienced a tragic accident. A young boy, along with his little brother and grandfather, was crossing the street when a high rise truck did not see the seven-year-old boy and ran over him. Due to some quick thinking witnesses, CPR was immediately started on the child. Air-flighted to the nearest trauma hospital with multiple injuries, this child pulled through the ordeal. As of this writing, he is still in the hospital but continues to improve.

At no time have the parents expressed anger or vengeance upon the person who hit their child. Truly an accident, the parents have recognized this. They have accepted the apology of the driver, insisting the regret and remorse experienced by this person is enough punishment. In fact, the driver’s name has never been released to the public because of their request.

Paul is asking that Christians concern themselves with things not of this world but with those of a spiritual nature. Wouldn’t it be a better world if others could act in the way of this child’s parents?

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Pray

Psalm 51:10-14 (NRSV)

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
Deliver me from bloodshed, O God,
O God of my salvation

Go with God!