Arthur Owiti | Posted June 11, 2009
Presently, the state of a true Christian’s heart is that of sorrow and mourning. With all the exposures of sin and wickedness in Christendom worldwide, from USA to Ireland to Uganda, one cannot help but bear the shame. However, we are encouraged that such should lead to sorrow unto God so as to repent and receive salvation in Jesus Christ.
Many had gifts of the Holy Spirit and were teachers; they saw these abilities as justification and hence boasted. They focused on themselves and former lusts instead of the Lord which opened the door for sin to ravage the church. This blocked them from being mournful and repenting of their sin.
But Paul the apostle gave no room for casual talk but sharp rebuke and judgment. He exposed their wickedness to their shame. He questioned their knowledge on many basic issues. So strong was the letter that in 2 Corinthians 7, he confessed that the first letter brought sorrow on them. However many repented on receiving the tough but true judgment.
SOME OF THE FLAWS EXPOSED IN 1 CORINTHIANS –ALSO IN CHRISTENDOM TODAY
FORNICATION---Sexual Immorality and Adultery
DIVISIONS --- Man controlled sects creating jealousy and strife
CARNALITY—fighting for positions and glory
IDOLATRY--- Going back to their pagan ways and sacrifices
DISORDER—in worship and the Lord ’s Supper
FALSE DOCTRINE--- concerning the resurrection of the dead
Yet, the church had people blessed with spiritual gifts. The church was also praised of keeping the teachings Paul had given them. However, these good things could not cover the sins in the church; it had too be exposed and repented of for it is against the gospel of Jesus Christ, the righteousness of God.
The effect of the rebuke was godly sorrow that led to turning away from the old leaven of wickedness and malice. Like a father disciplining a son, Paul made sure the church was in line with the gospel of Jesus Christ in her testimony. The bitter truth had to be told like a hot rod caning a disobedient son; not for destruction but edification and truth of the gospel.
Today godly sorrow has and is being brought out in all fronts; from the secular media to true ministers of the gospel to victims of church abuse and crimes. It will make one draw near to God in all humility, mourning and submission. It is a lifestyle, a matter of the heart and not just an event or lip service, enduring to the end. Hence one can choose to return to the Lord or be puffed up (proud) and await judgment and fiery indignation. For God opposes he proud but gives grace to the humble.
Today the fig leaves of fame, money and success cannot cover the nakedness of Christendom. Interesting to note that the exposures of scandals in Evangelical church globally have increased just when the increasing shaking of Mammon (which is supported by the world economy/money), the master of false Christianity started over the recent years. It is only Jesus Christ who is the covering of his church. The best at this time is to repent of all wickedness and return to the true gospel fixing our eyes on the author and the perfecter of our faith, our Lord Jesus Christ.
