SCRIPTURE
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But [f]actually, I wrote to you not to associate [g]with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But [f]actually, I wrote to you not to associate [g]with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
OBSERVATION
This morning as I read, it's good to be reminded that our place is out amongst the people of our communities. It's good to be with our "tribe", but we are absolutely needed (and in fact thoughtfully placed) as agents of peace in our circles of influence. It's not in anyone's best interest that we cloister up and try not to "get any on us".
APPLICATION
It's a great opportunity and in fact a great responsibility to be able to live and work closely with those who are searching for peace with God. That's where we belong. Light in a dark place. It's most often not a Keurig experience where instant results are found. It's a slow brew where life on life earns us the opportunity to speak. Relationship gets us that privilege, and relationships are built over time. That's why I'm grateful for Paul's reminder - it's not about getting away from folks who don't yet know Jesus, rather it's the opposite.
PRAYER
God, today this day I pray opportunity to live and work with people who need you. Amen
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