The Shame of Sin

Paul the Apostle reminds us that “the saints will judge the world.” But he doesn’t stop there—he raises the standard even higher, declaring that the saints will one day judge the angels.

With this perspective, Paul challenges the church at Corinth: If we are called to such high authority, how is it that we cannot even judge matters among ourselves? He says plainly, even the person in the lowest position within the church should be able to discern and judge disputes between fellow believers.
“Is there not a wise man among you who can judge the smallest matters?”

This rebuke speaks volumes about what is expected from those who follow Jesus. We are called to grow—in godliness, in wisdom, and in spiritual maturity. If we truly walk in the light, how could we not be transformed by it?

Does the Lord only prune trees and vines? No. He prunes His people.
Jesus, in whom no wickedness was ever found, calls us to purge the leaven within ourselves. This is not a call to outward appearance, but to inner transformation.

Paul writes that it is better to suffer wrong at the hand of your brother than to drag one another before the wicked. Why? Because when Christians behave foolishly in the presence of unbelievers, they bring shame—not only upon themselves—but upon Christ and His church.

This shame corrupts the world's view of Jesus.
Not because we pray. Not because we stand on truth.
But because so many who claim His name—live in contradiction to His Word.

They fornicate.
They curse and club.
They fight and gossip.
They defend worldliness.
They shrink back in fear when boldness is needed.
And this leaven has spread through the body like a disease.

In today’s world, the name “Christian” has become so distorted that even true believers hesitate to use it. Not because they are ashamed of Christ—but because they don’t want to be associated with the hypocrisy that now wears His name.

But Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.”
“You are the salt of the earth.”
His words have not changed. They are eternal—steadfast and established.

So today, let your light shine before men.
Embrace the words of the Lord.
Purify your heart.
Guard your steps.
Sanctify your thoughts.
And enter into the rest of God.