Thank you all for the opportunity to write these four devotionals. It has been an honor and a privilege.
How much are we like the Corinthians? In our current culture, do we wanna do what we wanna do, when wanna do it – even, how we wanna do it?
Like the Corinthians, do we also turn our eyes from sexual abuse happening within the church? Do we enjoy socializing and celebrating with people who claim to follow Christ, but are sexually immoral, greedy, idolaters, slanderers, drunkards, or swindlers (1 Corinthians. 5:11)? Imagine if the Corinthians had electronic devices like we have today, such as iPhones, televisions, iPads, or the Internet. If they would have had access to such electronic devices, they probably would have used them inappropriately. Do we? Do we watch porn and violent movies, or use our social media platforms to slander politicians we don’t like, or neighbors, co-workers, or family members? How are we even vulnerable to sex trafficking and the like? Meanwhile, many who are like this are professing to be Christians.
Paul emphasizes throughout this epistle there is an expectation for believers to strive to live a holy lifestyle. Even now, in our social climate we have spiritual leaders who try to lead their congregation towards an honorable lifestyle. As we see repeatedly in the church, it isn’t easy because of narcissistic attitudes and corrupted behavior. As we let this continue, our family legacy is decaying, our church community is becoming spiritually dead, consisting of an immature body of believers. Meanwhile, the church might resemble the corruption of unbelievers’ in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or Chicago? Yet, many churches refuse to believe that they are like the Corinthians.
But let’s take a minute to remember the gospel message.
Those who follow Christ (i.e. Christians) have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They’ve asked for forgiveness of their sins. They believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died on the cross for the atonement of all their sins. They believe Christ is the Messiah. Like the Nicene Creed states, the Son, Jesus Christ, was both man and Divine, miraculously born of the virgin Mary, yet lived a sinless life. He was crucified, resurrected, and will return for his children who believe.
After true conversion takes place in their mind, heart, and body, believers must turn away from sin, or at the very least have a strong desire to surrender to righteousness and holiness. As a new creation, they are forming into the image of Jesus Christ, having the mindset to hate what God hates and love what God loves. With God’s help, we can choose righteousness over sin.
Let’s remember our personal story of salvation today. Think back to when you first became a believer. Who led you through the sinner’s prayer? Where were you? Write down as many details that you can remember, sign, date it. Keep the letter in a visible place.
