In the last blog, we suggested we should follow D. L. Moody’s example when questions arise on how we should deal with those whose moral code differs from our own. Now let us see what the Bible instructs us to do.
The first thing we notice is that Jesus was roundly criticized by the Pharisees for eating with tax collectors and sinners. (Matthew 9:10-13) Jesus’ response was that we should associate with those who need our help and those who oppose the moral code as expressed in the Bible do need our help.
Another example Jesus set was his conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-42). Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans but Jesus, ignoring local custom, creatively started a conversation with the Samaritan woman that lead to a discussion of her moral failings.
The apostle Paul evidently wrote a letter to the Corinthians that was prior to the I Corinthians letter in which he admonished them to not associate with those who were sexually immoral, greedy, swindlers, or idolaters. In I Corinthians 5:9-13, Paul had to correct the Corinthians because they thought he meant they were to avoid everyone who was sexually immoral, greedy, swindlers, or idolaters. Paul states that if they were to follow this path, they would have leave this world because just about everyone fits these categories. The individuals Paul wants us to avoid are those who claim to be Christians but who are sexually immoral, greedy, swindlers, or idolaters.
Paul tells us not to judge those who are outside our faith because that is God’s job (I Corinthians 5:13). Our job is to judge those who are within our church (I Corinthians 5:12), It seems that we Christians have it all backwards. We readily criticize non-Christians for their moral code but ignore what our fellow Christians are doing.
So maybe we should reevaluate our approach to those who oppose our moral code. Instead of boycotting, filing lawsuits, and refusing to do business with those who oppose our moral beliefs the Bible teaches we should develop creative ways of sharing out faith during these encounters.
