Some Bible teachers say that it’is permissible for Christians to take one another to court. They argue that in Romans Chapter 13, verse 4, Paul makes it clear that secular civil law courts are valid, and indeed needed. They say that in a fallen world, people can be vicious and violent in their selfishness. Christians should not be like that, of course. But these teachers argue that there is a proper role of civil law in the Christian life.
Still, the larger picture must be kept in mind by Christians; and, we must be careful not to repay evil with evil. If a lawsuit were to involve each side trading hurtful, selfish, unchristian actions, it would still be better, don’t you think, to stay out of the courtroom. If there is anything in our actions or lifestyle that brings disgrace on the name of the Lord, then what is the best thing to do? Every Christian is subject to temptation; and therefore, we have to carefully weigh our motives in anything we do. None of us will ever be perfect - not in this life. But, as the Bible says, we must not think of ourselves more highly than we ought.
In modern America where most people toss God aside, with either no thought for eternity, or, the belief that good works will get us to heaven - or that everyone goes to heaven, - we must be different. We may be the only picture of Christ that some will ever see. Kind of scary? Isn’t that a lot of responsibility? But, isn’t that a great challenge and a lofty goal? What an honor to know Him and to be one of his representatives on planet earth. So lets not blow it.
This is Carl Ramsey and that’s Another View of the News.
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