The Set-Up:
Have you ever purchased something that required assembly? Regardless of whether the box read, “SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED” or just plain “ASSEMBLY REQUIRED”, it sometimes turns out that we’ve put parts in the wrong place. We do this for a few reasons: 1) We didn’t read the instructions, 2) We didn’t understand the instructions, or 3) we just proceed to put parts together because we feel like they should fit together.
It’s the same with The Church: God has given a very clear set of instructions concerning the who, what, where, why, when, and how of members’ healthy conduct. That health conduct reflects the reality of being born again.
Often, people in local churches misunderstand how the issues of liberty and holiness fit together. Paul had quite the situation to address by letter in Corinth to those who didn’t read and/or understand the instructions. One of today’s great misunderstandings in church life is that confronting sin - any sin - is judgmental. But the Holy Spirit’s remedy given by Paul’s pen reminds us that love for one another means being willing to address difficult situations to preserve purity in the lives of one another.
Passage to Read:
Reflection Questions:
Do I understand the distinction between empathy and enabling when it comes to fellow believers’ sinful practices?
Have I ever noticed Christians whose lifestyles are contrary to God’s commandments? Did I say anything to them about it? Why or why not?
What do I understand about genuine holiness (not legalism) and its necessity for The Bride of Christ?
Prayer Idea:
Take time to prayerfully intercede for your church’s purity and holiness to mark it as, “Belonging to Jesus.”
This devotional was written by Chuck Loftis.