Observation: As Paul will be visiting Corinth soon, he has a warning for ... someone. It seems someone is saying that the Lord does not really speak through Paul, and his warning is simple. They had better be prepared for he is confident they will be unable to present valid evidence, and thus making such an accusation would constitute sin. However, the better alternative is for them to realize this fact on their own, and thus "do nothing wrong" and to cease their slander against him.
In this, Paul makes an interesting distinction. He does not wish for the individual to change their behavior because he fears the test. Rather, he simply wants them to do what is right and not sin. That could even mean that, without a test, some may believe the original stories, and that in their eyes he "may appear to fail". Paul is fine with that. All he can do is live according to the Lord, "for the truth" as he puts it, and that truth is that he wishes their to be peace and kindness and communion and joy within the church. That kind of fellowship, and a fellow believer who rejects pursuit of a sinful confrontation, would be the God-honoring scenario.
Application: There are times I worry that I am violating this principle ... that I am an individual who, by questioning the motives of certain leaders in the church, am gravely sinning. I look at the way issues are handled - from liberal and unregulated use of money for certain projects, to a non-existent structure for discipleship - and I speak my mind here at home with my family.
However, I do not speak these thoughts publicly. I do not seek division, and I do not seek to in any way sidetrack the great work our church does in many areas. I don't and won't challenge anyone, and I do know that there are leaders who hear the word of the Lord, and if they sometimes get wrong the methods by which they pursue the Lord's will then that is normal human nature worthy of honor and grace.
I do pray I am doing nothing wrong in this matter. I do not desire to test anyone, nor see them tested. I trust that we are all pursuing the Lord's "truth" and his will.
Prayer: Lord, may your hand and guidance remain on our church as we head into the fall and winter. This is always a key time in the mission you have given us, as a light in the community. May you provide the necessary resources for everything you would have us do, and may your wisdom be upon all the pastors and leaders of our faithful body of Christ. Amen.
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