Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother goes to law against another–and this in front of unbelievers! (1 Corinthians 6:4-6).

There it is.

Right there, at the end.

Paul is frustrated with the Corinthians because they are taking their troubles to worldly law, and in so doing they are declaring that they need the world’s help.

They’re tarnishing their witness.

Beloved, the world is always watching. They hear our claims of brotherly love, and look to see if those claims hold up in times of trouble.

They want to see us fall.

Also, perhaps secretly, they want to see us stand.

Your life is a witness to God’s love. Whether you are a reliable witness or not, well, that depends upon you.

Happy Wednesday, Beloved