Be the Judge

True believers have the responsibility of treating one another civilly, especially in the sight of the world. In 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, Paul writes "do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? " Paul urges the Corinthians to find a competent person among the congregation to judge disputes among the members, as the body of Christ sets the standard for conduct based on the word of God.

In-House Resolution

Oftentimes, when members of an independent entity have a dispute or an issue with another member of the community, they resolve that dispute within their own community through their own justice system. In 1 Corinthians 6:1, Paul asks "does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints?" As Paul asks, how can a judge who has no first-hand experience with the life of the saints judge a dispute among them? I ask the same question; how can someone outside of the body of Christ judge a dispute between members?

It's a Shame

The world has much higher expectations of those who are members of the body of Christ. Those higher expectations have been in effects for believers since the establishment of the early church. In 1 Corinthians 5:1, Paul writes "1 Corinthians 5 "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife." Even in the world, this kind of behavior would be suspect; in the church, however, it is a public shame, not only on himself, but the entire church. Consider today that your actions affect more than just yourself, as we represent more than ourselves; we represent Christ for the world.

Leaders in Christ

It is easy to mistake the greatness of people, especially our leaders, as their own power and greatness instead of the great power of God working through them. In 1 Corinthians 3:21, Paul writes there should be"no more boasting about human leaders!" Leaders in Christ will not accept the praise of the people, but will humbly deflect your praise to give praise and glory to God. They realize that they are nothing on their own, as Christ instructed His disciples in John 15:15, apart from Christ, we can do nothing.

Wisdom in the Word

It is easy to believe that wisdom comes as a result of one's age, experience, or education, which are all indications of one being wise in the world. The Bible, however, advocates for us to be wise in the Word. In 1 Corinthians 3:19-20, Paul writes "for the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." The world may call us wise because we have reached a certain age, level of experience, or level of education; but to be wise in God's eyes, we must be wise in the Word.