Seeing more clearly without a log
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.
12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
Paul here is dealing with a Corinthian misunderstanding. It would appear the Corinthians were quite adept at creating an us-vs-them club. Paul’s response is – God’s design is certainly not an us-vs-them club. God wants us to be a people who engage with our world – our friends, neighbours, work colleagues, family members – not out of a prideful superiority, but out of a transformed life and holistic humility. But God calls us first to purity of heart – no more saying one thing and doing another. No more double standards – expecting the world to do things better and then living lesser ourselves.
I am challenged by Paul’s decision regarding those who are in the double-standards zone within the church – don’t associate, don’t even eat, with them. I hear echoes of a teaching of Jesus – don’t point out the speck in your neighbour’s eye when there is a log in your own. Deal with the massively obscuring log in your own eye first.
In an age where Christians are all too often associated with being judgemental, critical, and what they are against, Paul’s charge is deeply instructive – forget about judging the world “out there.” Deal with your own inconsistencies, character flaws, and double standards – rid your life of them. And show the world in ongoing friendly associations what Jesus can really do in a life surrendered to Him.
Lord, help me, help us, live this out. Amen.
Written by Ps. Rob Waugh