Week of May 17, 2009

Have you ever done something for someone with the best of intentions, only to be falsely accused of being self-serving?  Have you ever been unjustly deprived of something you rightfully deserved?  What is your response in those situations?  If you are like me, your first reaction is probably to become angry and feel justified to take whatever action necessary to get what you have been deprived of!  However, in 1 Corinthians 6-10 we will see that Paul gives us a different approach to live by.

These chapters have practical application to every area of our life, including work, home, school, etc.  However, applying them is not easy.  For example, in chapter 6 I see that I might need to give up my right to sue someone in a court of law to protect my rights, and accept a church leader as mediator in a dispute.  This approach is very difficult to comprehend in our culture that freely exercises our rights in court.  Also, as a husband, I might need to humble myself and apologize to my wife, even though I don’t think I am necessarily the one that is wrong.  These chapters are chock-full of the very radical idea of giving up my "rights" for someone else’s.  But why would we be asked to do such a thing?  Is it really fair for the Bible to ask us to live this way?  

The bottom line is that these chapters help us see that we should look at everything with an eternal perspective.  It’s not about my rights today, but rather understanding that what I value and how I live can point others to God.  1 Corinthians 10:31-32 says, “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense (to anyone), but… try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” 

Do you truly believe an eternal relationship with God is more important than any material possession?  Then as you read these chapters this week, ask God to show you how you can use a humble heart to point others to Him!

1. Do you feel you have been unfairly treated in some way? How have you responded to these situations? Prayerfully consider how you can use a humble heart to help point others to God in this situation.
2. Are there people before whom you need to humble yourself in order to demonstrate the love and forgiveness of Christ? Ask God to give you the strength and courage to do what is necessary to repair these relationships and point others to Him.