Central Truth

It's easy to watch or read the news and become obsessed with the way the world is running away from God. But we often fail to see the darkness in our own hearts that keeps us from reflecting His glory in the way we were designed to do.

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Reflections

There are a lot of things that make me squirm. Snakes, bats, and eating snails top the list.

Oh yeah, and confrontation.

I'm not a big fan of conflict, and the thought of "lovingly confronting" a friend with her sin makes me break out into a cold sweat. So, when I read Paul's admonition to the Corinthians, telling them to "purge the evil person from among you," my immediate reaction is to think of how to say this in a more politically correct way. Was Paul really saying that we're supposed to call someone "evil" as we usher him out of the church? Not exactly the friendly greeters that meet you at the door every Sunday morning!

The Corinthians were part of a debased society committed to sexual perversion of the worst kinds and pagan idol worship. The Christians probably looked at their neighbors and responded in disgust, "We would never. . ." The problem was that the root of those same sins was just as present in the Corinthians' own hearts! Here, Paul says, "Don't waste your time judging the world. You need to be looking at yourselves!"

They had forgotten the seriousness of their own sins because they had forgotten the holiness of God.

God called the Corinthians to a higher standard as His image bearers and now adopted sons, but they kept trying to live their lives in their own ways.

Sadly, we rarely look much different to the world. While we don't carve idols of ourselves, every time we consider ourselves better than others, we're idolaters (Phil. 2:3). As Christians, our job is to provide a mirrored reflection of the image of God and His holiness. Yet, our hearts' desires are so twisted that we prefer to worship ourselves, muddying His image. Instead of being appalled with the lives of politicians or celebrities, we should pray with David, "Search me, O God, and know my heart!" (Ps. 139:23a).

It's only after my own repentance that I'm prepared to come alongside my fellow believers and admonish them to keep the Church pure for the glory of God (Matt. 7:5).

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Discussion Questions

1. What are some specific ways that you muddy the holy image of God to those around you (Eph. 4:14-24)?
2. Is it surprising to read that God calls us to judge others? How has the world's definition of "tolerance" influenced your thinking on the biblical view of "judging others" (i.e., Christians)?
3. After examining yourself, are you willing to pray that God will show you if you should come alongside a fellow believer to help him or her better reflect God's image for His glory?
4. How could God be glorified if you were obedient in this area?

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