SCRIPTURE "Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers." (1 Corinthians 6:7-8) OBSERVATION I have a weakness. I get angry when I'm unjustly accused. That's natural, right? I'm sure most of us feel the same way. When this happens, I go to the extremes to prove myself right and correct the horrible error; I recklessly seek justice.
I think we're taught that justice a God-given right and that it should come swiftly to those who deserve it. For those of you who watch TV (doesn't everyone!), you know that two of the most popular shows are Law and Order and CSI. In fact, both of these programs have several spinoffs, all together, there must be 6 or 7 different series! We just love seeing the bad guys come to justice.
This passage sets a new standard; it informs us that there is something more important than justice - it's obedience, obedience to God. Paul says in this letter to the Corinthians that we value justice - proving ourselves right - so highly, we will take another Christian to a court of unbelievers to have our disagreement settled. I may be proven right, but so what? In the process, I've shown non-Christians that we are no different in the way we think and live than they are. APPLICATION This applies to so much more than taking someone to court. It's an outlook to the way we live. We've all heard the saying, "It's not about who's right, it's about what's right." That's so true.
I do believe in justice, but I need to leave the timing to God. I have to quell the jihad and focus my time and efforts on helping the lost find God. Paul is asking for something that's very difficult - to allow ourselves to be cheated, to not pursue justice - but, for the sake of the kingdom, it's such a small sacrifice.
And on this Good Friday, when we remember the ultimate sacrifice made by our Heavenly Father, I must recklessly pursue His will. PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. We will never be able to fully comprehend and appreciate the sacrifice that was made on our behalf, but we know that You bankrupted heaven to give us salvation and claim victory over the enemy. And for this we thank You.
Scripture: Joshua 9:14 So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.
Observe: The Israelites were conquering land the Lord was giving them. The Gibeonites deceived the Israelites into making a treaty. The Israelites hadn't consulted the Lord before they made it and this resulted in confusion and chaos. The Israelites actually ended up having to fight for the Gibeonites and put their own lives at stake.
Apply: How many decisions to I make throughout the day without asking Jesus? How hard am I making my life because I don't have the Spirits presence?
Prayer: Dear God, help me as I make decisions to ask first, "Is this wise for me to do?" May I not go before you but ask along the way as I open doors with you and not on my own strength or wisdom.
TITLE: GIVE ME JUSTICE OR GIVE ME...
ReplyDeleteMENTOR: PAUL
SCRIPTURE
"Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers." (1 Corinthians 6:7-8)
OBSERVATION
I have a weakness. I get angry when I'm unjustly accused. That's natural, right? I'm sure most of us feel the same way. When this happens, I go to the extremes to prove myself right and correct the horrible error; I recklessly seek justice.
I think we're taught that justice a God-given right and that it should come swiftly to those who deserve it. For those of you who watch TV (doesn't everyone!), you know that two of the most popular shows are Law and Order and CSI. In fact, both of these programs have several spinoffs, all together, there must be 6 or 7 different series! We just love seeing the bad guys come to justice.
This passage sets a new standard; it informs us that there is something more important than justice - it's obedience, obedience to God. Paul says in this letter to the Corinthians that we value justice - proving ourselves right - so highly, we will take another Christian to a court of unbelievers to have our disagreement settled. I may be proven right, but so what? In the process, I've shown non-Christians that we are no different in the way we think and live than they are.
APPLICATION
This applies to so much more than taking someone to court. It's an outlook to the way we live. We've all heard the saying, "It's not about who's right, it's about what's right." That's so true.
I do believe in justice, but I need to leave the timing to God. I have to quell the jihad and focus my time and efforts on helping the lost find God. Paul is asking for something that's very difficult - to allow ourselves to be cheated, to not pursue justice - but, for the sake of the kingdom, it's such a small sacrifice.
And on this Good Friday, when we remember the ultimate sacrifice made by our Heavenly Father, I must recklessly pursue His will.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. We will never be able to fully comprehend and appreciate the sacrifice that was made on our behalf, but we know that You bankrupted heaven to give us salvation and claim victory over the enemy. And for this we thank You.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Title: "Better Ask First"
ReplyDeleteMentor: Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 9:14 So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.
Observe: The Israelites were conquering land the Lord was giving them. The Gibeonites deceived the Israelites into making a treaty. The Israelites hadn't consulted the Lord before they made it and this resulted in confusion and chaos. The Israelites actually ended up having to fight for the Gibeonites and put their own lives at stake.
Apply: How many decisions to I make throughout the day without asking Jesus? How hard am I making my life because I don't have the Spirits presence?
Prayer: Dear God, help me as I make decisions to ask first, "Is this wise for me to do?" May I not go before you but ask along the way as I open doors with you and not on my own strength or wisdom.