Set an Example

Scripture: But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers!  The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?  1 Corinthians 6:6-7 NIV

Observation: Paul proclaims that legal action of one believer against another is wrong.

Application:  In today’s world of petitioned class-action lawsuits Paul’s directive seems a bit passé.  Don’t file lawsuits, take your lumps and turn the other cheek.  How unearthly can you get?  But that is the attitude that Jesus taught in Matthew 5:40, “And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.”  We are living in a very difficult time.  When believers fail in this area we exacerbate the problems of our society.  We are to be salt and light to the world. If we ignore our Savior’s instruction to be willing to be wronged or cheated we tend to be neither salt nor light. We become one more reason for the world to question Christianity.  I don’t want anyone to say because of my example “why bother with Christ–he doesn’t make any difference in a person’s life anyway!”

Prayer: Lord, give me the ability to be willing to be wronged or cheated so that I may set the proper example to those that look at my witness.  Amen

Doug