A not to Christians

A Note to Christians

“I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—  
not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.  
But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
                                                                                                             1 Corinthians 5:9-13.
I see a lot of Christians or at least people claiming to be Christians speaking out against or protesting against people who have different moral values than they do. They will not associate with them.
According to what the apostle Paul says here that should not be so. In this world we will be around the immoral, the greedy the swindlers, even idolaters. As long as we are in the world these people will be around us. And these people like all people need to know the love of God and the salvation message that only comes through Christ.
Paul however warns “I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.”
We must not even associate with people calling themselves Christians who are living a sinful life.
Paul goes on to make a very clear statement telling us not to judge those outside the body of believers. He states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
We as Christians must be careful about those who call themselves brothers in Christ who are living a sinful life and not associate with such people.
It is our duty before Christ however to reach the world for Christ and we cannot do that job if we are judging them in any way.
Jesus said,
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” 
                Matthew 10:16.
If we are obeying the words of Jesus we are to be wise in a world that is hostile to us. And we are to be innocent of doing anything remotely wrong.
The apostle Peter said,
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’” 
                                                                       1 Peter 2:12.
Dear Christian, are you doing this?
Please think about it.