Do the Right Thing

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down." 2 Corinthians 13:5-10

Moving on deeper into this scripture . . . let's look here:   " . . . but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed."  This entire passage is an admonition to the church at Corinth to compare their motives, means, and attitudes against the gospel of Jesus Christ.  As an apostle of Christ, Paul (along with Silas, Timothy and Titus - they are the "we") has been tested as a tried and true Christian.  So much so that he can invite the church to examine themselves internally, as well as examine him.  He is confident that the examination of his faith will be fruitful - to the church, to God and to himself.

What I like here is Paul's motivation.  He seems to be pleading with the church - even if you think I've done things wrong, YOU do what is right!

So many times as Christ followers we can take our eyes of the one we have been following and affix our eyes on each other.  When we do that, what invariably happens?  Don't we go to extremes?  It seems what follows is either hero worship, which can only lead to a major fall, or intense, cowardly criticism, which breeds bitterness and contempt.

Even assuming that our eyes are firmly on Christ, there are times when the wrong-ness of others can influence our thoughts and attitudes.  We have all had friends who have made mistakes - some big, some small - or worse yet, completely lost their faith.  It can be difficult to not let their faltering affect us. 

The faults and weaknesses of others are never an excuse for moral or spiritual failures on our part.  The excuse of, "Well she did it first, so I can do it too" is childish and not meant for God's warriors.  Yet I see it all the time.  Bad attitudes lead to more bad attitudes.  Gossip leads to gossip.  Criticism leads to criticism.  It's a dangerous game, and - once again - inappropriate for God's people! 

I'm not talking about having legitimate concerns and turning to wise counsel.  I'm not even talking about having a bad day and griping it out with your spouse at dinner.  I'm talking about a lifestyle that is committed - not to Christ and His ways - but to finger-pointing and condemnation.

It's a slippery slope.  It's certainly not difficult to begin your week faultless and end it faulted.  It simply takes carelessness.  We must be purposeful, and part of purpose means examination.  That's what this whole week has been about.  Be willing to purposefully examine your faith.  Be willing to be wrong!  And be willing to let Christ make things right.