How do we handle correction? (2 Corinthians 1-7)

1:3-5

I think a large part of our purpose in life is to experience the bad with the good. We needed to struggle. We needed to learn empathy. I imagine we weren't terribly empathetic in the premortal world because there wasn't nearly the amount of suffering we have here on earth. Our ability to empathize and even succor others is developed through experiencing trials ourselves. This empathy, comfort and succor begins with Jesus Christ.

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." Jesus comforts us in our tribulation so that we can comfort others in the same way. We are learning how to comfort from Jesus Christ himself! There are several important purposes of tribulation - not the least of which is developing the ability to empathize and succor each other. This ability will be used throughout eternity.

"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." Imagine if all of us viewed each trial and tribulation through the lens of Jesus Christ. His sufferings were so that he could succor God's children. In Alma 7:12, we read, "And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." Our sufferings serve the same purpose. As we suffer and struggle, our ability to console others is amplified by Jesus Christ.

1:9

"But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead." The trials that Paul experienced were so severe that it increased his capacity to depend on the Lord to save him. His trials and threats to his life served the purpose of keeping him humble. If there was nothing he could personally do to deliver himself, he would necessarily rely on the Lord.

We may not be in life-threatening situations that require Jesus for our escape, but you and I will experience our share of problems that we cannot resolve. Our situation may be health or financial or family related and there is no hope for us to personally solve the problem. It is these times that our reliance on the Lord becomes more obvious.

I am personally working on relying on the Lord more in my life. I would like to build my reliance on Him voluntarily than face a struggle that requires it.

The key here is that we CAN rely on the Lord to deliver us. He already has. We can have hope regardless of whatever quagmire of sorrow we are in. Ultimately, every problem in our lives will end. We will be raised from the dead, regardless of how we die. Our stories will have happy endings.

1:12

To be missionaries, we don't have to be able to make a thorough argument for the truthfulness of the gospel. We don't have to be scriptorians. We don't need to understand all other religions to teach people about our church. "For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward."

Our testimonies should be given in "simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshy wisdom." It will be the Spirit and the grace of God that touches people's hearts. It won't be your well-founded argument that converts anyone. Hearts will be changed because of Jesus Christ, not Eric Adams. We don't have to explain clearly why we believe - only to bear the "testimony of our conscience."

Our words may help someone feel the Spirit. The words need to be about Jesus Christ. As we bear our testimonies of Jesus Christ, the Spirit comes to confirm what we are saying. Our conversations are what brings the Spirit. Do what you can to bring the Spirit and get out of the way. :)

2:4, 8

"For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you." When we correct someone, if our correction is based in love, it is more likely that the receiver will respond well to what we're saying.

We correct who we love. If Paul didn't care about the Corinthians, he wouldn't have taken the time to write the letter that he did. The letter took a lot out of him. He experienced "much affliction and anguish of heart." It was not something that he wrote in anger. He wasn't responding to offense. He obviously was careful about what he said.

If a parent never corrects a child, does he or she love that child? I say no. If the parent cares, he or she will correct. If someone is taking the time to give you feedback, receive it in the Spirit that it is given.

The bad thing is that much of the correction we receive is not out of love. Whether it comes from a stranger or a family member, criticism may come from other motives. The person may be exasperated or frustrated or offended and the correction comes from anger. So, when we receive correction in love, we often respond negatively to it. We should work hard to value corrective criticism from love and see it as an act of love.

The key is to, when offering correction, to reaffirm our love for the person we're correcting. "Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him."

One final thought on this. Obviously, the letter that Paul sent the Corinthians caused some hard feelings. They were upset by his chastening. It may not have pleased them. In fact, some might have been discouraged, at least temporarily. The fact is, Paul was teaching the truth. He was preaching correct principles. Because they were out of alignment with those principles, the letter made them feel bad. They perhaps felt offended. This is the problem as many of the church members who are leaving today.

I've heard recently that some have left the church because it "wasn't working for them." While saying it, they will testify that the gospel is true! They believe in it but may not agree with some policy or how church meetings are conducted. It may be that they just don't feel uplifted each week. They believe that they can get closer to God in a way that is better suited for them.

Read that last paragraph considering how the individual is attempting to figure out what is right FOR THEM. They are on "THEIR faith journey" that may involve studying the Book of Mormon on their own and sitting in the forest meditating. They may consider that the perfect kind of spirituality for THEIR personal needs. These are good people who are making these decisions. They are attempting to grow closer to God. They just want to cut out this demanding religion. They view some aspects of this religion as a barrier to their spiritual progress.

If everyone was on a unique discovery about how they could grow closer to God in their own way, imagine the number of different set of beliefs and principles that would exist. There may be a billion different "religions" created. It would not be a house of order.

Of course, we believe that we are the experts of ourselves. We believe that we are the only ones inside of our head so we are uniquely qualified to decide what is right for us. Unfortunately, we are wrong. Imagine your ten year old telling you that he wanted to make a life-altering decision that you knew would ruin his life. True, he knows himself in a way that is unique. But, does he? In a way, you know him much better. In addition, you know more about life and can guide him correctly - if only he'd let you. If only he would trust and submit.

In a way, we are in the same boat as the ten year old. We have an all-knowing Father in heaven who has an infinite view and knows us much better than we know ourselves. The oldest among us have only been alive for 99 years. That's not a long time. We just aren't wise enough to figure out the meaning of life from scratch. The fact is, we aren't intelligent or experienced or balanced or wise or inspired enough to create a personal religion. We all have personal biases that we aren't even aware of.

The key principle here is to decide if there is a true religion on the earth. We must find out for ourselves if one exists. If the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true, OUR BURDEN IS TO UNITE WITH IT AND FOLLOW ITS PRECEPTS. Part of our progress is setting aside our own will! We are meant to change and improve and progress in a way prescribed by the Lord and his prophets. I AM THE ONE THAT MUST CHANGE. The church shouldn't have unlimited variances based on personal preferences.

Christ was very clear about this. He said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." He told the parable about a man who attended the king's wedding party without wearing the wedding garment. He wanted to participate in his own way. It didn't end well for him. If the church is true, our decision about whether to follow the gospel should be already made. Life is simply not just about discovering ourselves on a personal faith journey. The purpose of life is to be like Christ. WE ARE LEARNING HOW TO SUBMIT TO GOD'S WILL - NOT DOING WE WANT TO DO!

Satan is the ultimate example of wanting to do his own plan. God's plan didn't feel right for Satan. He thought he had a better plan for himself. He was on his own unique faith journey with his faith directed squarely at himself. His own plan was a better fit for Satan. Again, it didn't work out well for him.

I love everyone, regardless of their unique faith journey. So does Jesus Christ. But we can't rely on Christ's unconditional love as the standard for how we should live. If we say, "Christ loves me unconditionally and will accept me just as I am." You are right. But..... you aren't progressing to be like him.

Perhaps you're not allowed into the temple for your daughter's wedding because you don't have a temple recommend. You might think that the church is being unloving and unaccepting by not allowing you to enter. You may be offended. You may end up leaving the church completely. Again, notice the pride. The church isn't supposed to set aside its standards for your personal situation. That's not how this works. Christ loved unconditionally but his standards of conduct were also unconditional. The demands that he placed on others - whether it was his apostles or the Pharisees - were unwavering. It's possible that Christ can love me yet may not be pleased with me.

I just heard today, "a belief cannot be more important than a human being." If we break that down, it's saying that a gospel principle cannot be more important than the personal needs of a human. Yes it can. Yes it is. Of course we are children of God with divine potential. Of course God loves each of us with a love that we can't comprehend. We cannot compare the importance of a person vs. a principle. It's like saying a pilot is more important than following pre-flight checklists. Well...yes that pilot is more important than a piece of paper but the instructions on that paper will ensure that everyone on the plane reaches their destination safely. So, the principles of preflight checklist are something that the pilot, regardless of his or her person needs, must follow to progress to the destination. The checklist is more important than the pilot. So, in this way, the gospel's principles and beliefs are more important than an individual person.

I know that this has been a long statement but it was in my heart to write it. Hopefully, it may benefit someone.

2:10-11

"To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." We know that we must forgive. I think it's interesting that Paul is pairing this with Satan's tactics.

As I think about it though, not forgiving someone is a great opportunity for Satan to get his claws into us. Consider a few possible effects of not forgiving others:

• If it's a church leader, our unforgiveness may drive us out of the church.

• Our unforgiveness may result in a breakup of a marriage.

• It may become a canker to our souls that drives away the Spirit.

These are dire consequences. It does appear that Satan would be very motivated to encourage us to not forgive someone. I think it's interesting that Paul writes about Satan's devices. I think it's helpful to understand how Satan works. We should see his effect in our lives and the world. If we know our enemy, we can more effectively fight it. If we feel the urge to not forgive, it would be worthwhile to connect this urge to a device of the adversary. Perhaps if we see this as a pathetic attempt by a pathetic man to destroy our lives to any degree, we will be less likely succumb.

3:5-6

Paul was an amazing missionary. It didn't go to his head. He didn't see himself as the wellspring of goodness. "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." His competency came from God, not himself. If we believe that our talents are self-developed, that pride will damn us - slow our progression. If we believe that our talents came from God, we will look upward to him for further development. Our progression will accelerate as talent is added to talent as gifts of the Spirit.

Paul obviously knew the scriptures. However, his skills were based on preaching the "new testament." This new law was spiritual, rather than thoroughly written out. It was based on simple principles and parables that could be applied to every person in every situation. It wasn't meant to be written our to control every morning, day and night. This new, spiritual law was empowering and inspiring. His focus wasn't the law of Moses.

3:7-11

Paul definitely understands that the old law was "glorious" but that the new law was even more glorious. "But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?"

Paul is giving the law of Moses credit that it was so cool that the Israelites couldn't even look on Moses when he came down from the mountain. But, that law was temporary. He's now stating that the ministry of the Spirit will be even more glorious.

"For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious." He's calling the law of Moses "the ministration of condemnation" and the new law "the ministration of righteousness." The law was meant to instruct the people what NOT to do. The new law is about what we SHOULD do. One was based on what to condemn and one was based on the righteousness needed. Which one inspires you? Is it more inspiring to learn about faith, hope and charity or is it better to know how many steps you're allowed to take on the Sabbath?

Simply, the old law is done away and the new law will endure for eternity. Which is more glorious?

3:14-16

Paul definitely is attempting to drive the point home to the Corinthians about how the law of Moses is done away and the benefits of the new gospel of Jesus Christ. Of the Israelites, he said, "But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away." Because of the limitations of the old law, some minds are still veiled from seeing the truth of the new law.

To these Jews converting to Christianity, they had to see how the old way was not sufficient to bring them to Christ. In Christ, there is no veil over their minds to hide them from from Christ's glory. When we turn to Jesus Christ, that veil is instantly removed. We can see him firsthand.

3:17-18

This must have been very liberating for those Jews. "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Every acceptable behavior wasn't cataloged. They were given simpler direction: "love everyone."

When we see who Christ is clearly, we know exactly what we are to become. When we compare ourselves to Christ, we can see how good we can be. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." Seeing Christ, empowers us to progress. We are changed - not through our own effort, but through grace to grace with the help of the Spirit of the Lord.

4:3-4

Satan has no interest in allowing people in his control to contemplate the glory of this gospel. If Satan is already in control, through sin or pride or apathy, a person's mind can't grasp spiritual concepts. "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." Truly, Satan is the god of this world. He is generally in control of the day to day. In this temporal world, the effects of Satan's control are all around us. He has so many advantages - namely, what we see. We see possessions and power and conflict and distractions and temptations. They are literally in front of our eyes. So much so that many of us are blinded.

It's desperately sad. A decent person can get caught up in wealth acquisition and become blinded to any spiritual path. We know people that have been caught up in earning money to the point that they lower their standards or even be dishonest. It's hard because this world seems to run on money. What an advantage the Satan has! What we see others own, what we possess ourselves, the fun vacations we see others take, the cool houses and amazing cars...our very quality of life appears to come from money. And for all of the materialistic things we see with our eyes, it IS from money. Again, what an advantage that Satan has!

The gospel of Jesus Christ can cut through all of that. We can instead see possessions as a means to an end. We see the purpose of life having little to do with money. Sure, we need enough to survive, but for what purpose? Are we earning money to be in a position to build the kingdom or are we earning money for some other reason? The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us see how God sees.

4:5-7

Again, Paul is humble. He sees himself as a simple servant. "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake." Our preaching must be centralized on Jesus Christ. In our Sunday School lesson outlines, I highlight the name of Jesus Christ at every point where we tie some principle back to him. It helps me see if we are adequately involving his name throughout the lesson. Each lesson should be based in Jesus Christ himself.

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Again, the light comes from Jesus Christ. Yes, it can shine into our hearts. Our purpose should be to reflect that light back into the world. That light needs to be more than just being a good example - even though that's awesome and may bring souls to Christ. I believe that we can each be better at using his name throughout our regular days. I have been attempting that recently and I haven't lost any friends yet.

As we get better at building the kingdom of God, there is always a chance that our success will bring pride. Paul seems to be reminding himself that he is nothing. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." The light of Christ is so glorious and beautiful. Our human form is fragile and kinda gross. We are all getting older and not as pleasant to look at. I have growths on my skin that didn't used to be there. My hair is hanging on by a thread! My face is getting splotchy and weathered. I am not beautiful or impressive to look at. What is the most beautiful part about me is my ability to reflect the light of Christ - as flawed as my attempt is. The gospel is perfect and so illuminating. Our rough bodies that only get rougher are a reminder that we are not the source of goodness in the universe.

4:8-11

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh." Paul experienced trials no doubt. He kept his struggle in perspective. He had a healthy approach to the challenges he faced - which were many.

It is a good lesson for all of us about how to handle the problems that are surely coming. We can be troubled but not distressed. We can be persecuted but not feel forsaken. We can even be cast down but not feel destroyed. His reaction to the tribulations of his life put him in a position of power.

He compares his suffering to that of Christ in that there can be blessing in suffering. Christ is the ultimate example of this. His suffering allows him to succor. Paul views this the same way. Through suffering, the succor of Jesus can be extended through each of us. When we have suffered, we are in a better position to strengthen others going through the same thing. "So then death worketh in us, but life in you."

I can almost imagine Paul responding to a new terrible event with saying the word "good." He saw the good in trials.

4:16

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." Our bodies get older every single day. We get more broken down and tired. We lose strength and the ability to heal. I look at my legs and it seems like the little scratches and scrapes are now permanent scars when, before, my skin actually healed completely over time. Aging is a consistent downward slope towards eventual death.

However, our spirit can be renewed every day. Our spirit can get brighter and stronger with every passing day if we do those things that strengthen our spirits. The decline of our physical bodies does not match the steady increase in our spiritual strength. I know that it is the Spirit of God that renews our inward man.

4:17

Paul shares the ultimate perspective on afflictions. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." First, he views his affliction as "light." Knowing a little about the beatings and imprisonment Paul endured - he's obviously putting a positive spin on his light afflictions.

As I said before, affliction can work for our benefit. Paul sees that his trials do more good than harm for him. The "exceeding and eternal weight of glory" far outweighs the temporary, comparatively insignificant pain of the current trial. How much more emotionally resilient would we be if we could have the same perspective?

4:18

As I wrote earlier, Satan has a distinct advantage in this world in that his domain is the land of the visible. To allow us to choose for ourselves, God's kingdom is generally invisible to our eyes. It takes spiritual practice to see the invisible. "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." Again, it's very hard to ignore what we can actually see. It's hard to put the things all around us in their proper place of being almost insignificant in the eternal scope of things.

Seeing things through an eternal lens is a gift. We should ask for this gift. We should actively attempt to receive this gift every day. Everything visible will start to look different. We will see each interaction with each other differently. Instead of considering most things mundane, we will see the many opportunities to strengthen others and grow ourselves. We will be able to pull out the spiritual lessons that can be found each day:

• A frustrating interaction with a stranger can become an opportunity to develop our patience and long suffering.

• Someone sharing a struggle they are having becomes an opportunity to testify of a gospel principle - especially sharing testimony of Jesus Christ.

• An hour of free time can transform from scrolling social media to studying principles of the gospel.

A regular day can become a personal challenge to look for opportunities to uplift others. The same way that Jesus Christ would do if he were there with you.

5:1, 4, 6-8

Paul continues his explanation of how much more important heavenly things are than our earthly existence. "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." His very body doesn't mean so much to him. His priorities are based on what will happen after he passes through mortality.

I can feel his longing to progress past mortality. "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life." He's yearning for the glory of eternal life.

"Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." He knows that there is a separation from God while we are in mortality. He yearns to rather there be a separation from this mortal body to be "present with the Lord."

I like the line "for we walk by faith, not by sight." This is Paul. What moves him forward is faith in God - not in the fickle, changing experiences of mortality. Paul's path is not affected by the continually changing conditions of life. He is not tossed around by the waves - out of control. His sails are filled and his rudder is strong. He's headed towards the other shore in a straight line. We can learn so much from Paul!

5:10

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." I don't believe that this is going to be an event where we are presented with a report card. All of our good and bad deeds aren't going to be presented to us and we'll have to answer for everything we've done.

Instead, we are a walking, talking report card. Our current level of faith and obedience and selflessness and humility is based on every single choice we have made. We are a sum of our choices. The question at the judgment seat will be what are we willing to do. Will we be willing to fully submit to the will of God and follow his example through eternity? Or, based on our developed character, are we going to want to simply enjoy some level of glory without all of the work and effort it will take to be like God?

If you're curious what will happen at the judgment seat, consider what you're willing to do now. What are you willing to do for the kingdom? Here are some questions to think about:

• Are you willing to give up your comfortable life in your beautiful home and serve a mission? Or, would you rather golf each day or travel.

• Do you prefer serving others or being served? Are you eager to give up a night of relaxation to respond to a prompting?

• Would you give up your career if you were called as a mission president?

• How often are you making time to go to the temple?

I am not sure about how I would answer some of these questions? I'm naturally selfish and so I've got a lot of growing to do before I get to that judgment seat.

I think it's healthy to understand that we are judging ourselves right now. Today. Our choices are shaping us. Every decision had led you to this moment as the person you are. What we are willing to do for God is an instant judgment about our eternal progression. What trajectory are we on? We shouldn't believe that our trajectory is going to change drastically in the minutes after the judgment.

We are going to be the same person willing to do the same things. The goal of this probation is to steadily strengthen ourselves to be the type of person who wants to serve others throughout eternity. Our glory will be deserved as we work to bring the immortality and eternal life of others.

5:15

Christ died for us. But to what end? What's the result? "And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again." He was lifted up for us to see clearly how much God loves us. He suffered and died for us. His sacrifice is in vain in our lives if we continue to simply be selfish and do our own will throughout our lives. It is possible that his sacrifice will have no effect on our spiritual life. We can continue to be mainly selfish.

Or, we can - with him - sacrifice our own "lives." We can give up our will. Instead of living for ourselves, we can live for Christ. We can dedicate our lives to our own purposes or his. We really must be willing to let the old, selfish person literally die. The selfish Eric needs to meet an early demise. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." We can be renewed. When we give up our will, we become something else. We are a tool in God's hands and a reflection of the light of Christ. It's a beatiful thing if we are willing to allow it to happen.

6:1

Paul continues his challenge to us to be servants of Christ. "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain." The grace of God is a gift. It exists independent of whether we receive it or not. However, we can allow the grace of God to change us. We can allow the grace of God to change our hearts and be truly converted. If we reject the grace of God and stay firmly planted on our own path - we have received "the grace of God in vain."

6:4-10

Paul outlines all of the various conditions that life can throw at us. They are numerous and serious. And, they can have absolutely not negative effect on our trajectory. They can bounce impotently off of our spiritual armor.

"But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,

• In much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

• In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

• By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

• By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

• By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

• As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed."

Whatever has happened and whatever will happen to each of us can serve to strengthen if we have the right perspective. We don't always need to wait until years after the trial to understand the strength we received and how we benefited from the trial. I love verse 10. "As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." We can always control our response. We can rejoice in the midst of sorrow. We can be poor and yet be a source of riches for others. We can have no material wealth and still possess all of those things that matter eternally.

6:14, 17

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" Does this mean that we are not supposed to associate with sinners? Of course not! But, we are not meant to be yoked together with them. What does that mean? I think it has to do with aligning ourselves with those who are not progressing. If there is someone in our lives that is heading in the wrong direction, we should not be tied to them.

If someone is leaving the church, we shouldn't be unequally yoked with them. I've seen one spouse lose their testimony yet both spouses leave the church. I'm not suggesting that a divorce happens but the believer shouldn't leave with the unbeliever.

It's one thing to fellowship those who are struggling. It's another to attend the same parties and surround ourselves with bad influences. We are not meant to join sinners in their sinning. As we have heard, we are meant to be in the world but not a part of the world. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

This separation is going to become more and more evident. Those who are holding to their covenants will appear stranger and stranger. There will be more persecution. But, as with Paul, we can maintain course no matter what this temporary world throws at us.

7:1

We know what we are to become. We know our potential. We know who we are. We all have made covenants that, if honored, we will receive all that was promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Knowing the purpose of life and our divine potential should strengthen us against all of the "filthiness of the flesh."

7:9-11

"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." Paul wasn't happy that they felt bad. He was happy that their sorrow led to repentance.

If we sorrow in a godly way, it leads to repentance. It is part of our divine selves that we feel bad when we do something wrong. It is part of having the Light of Christ in us. My car beeps at me when I start to drift out of my lane. It is a warning that I'm heading in the wrong direction. It also sounds an alarm if I'm about to crash into something. It's helped me avoid some really bad situations. The key is that I listen to it and allow the notice to affect my behavior. This warning can save me if I respond to it positively.

Feeling godly sorrow acts in a similar way. If we respond positively, our conscience can lead us down the path of salvation. If we begin to drift, we get a feeling of sorrow that isn't pleasant. We don't like it. If we change course, that sorrow can turn into joy. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.

If we just wallow in the guilt and pain without changing course, that sorrow can lead another direction. If we get used to it, we can become numb to it. If we blame others for the pain we're feeling, we can alienate those who may care about us. The sorrow of the world is blame avoidant. We can't accept that we are the ones that need to change. We can't be the bad guy in our story! If we have to be the good guy, the pain I'm feeling must be caused by someone or something else. There is no growth in this.

But, if we are experiencing godly sorrow, it works in us to push us to making a change. "For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter." Feeling this godly sorrow can make us more careful and, when we repent, it can clear us of sin. These are good things.

If we face this godly sorrow and it causes us to repent, the "indignation, fear, vehement desire, zeal, and revenge" can leave us. These words really sounded familiar to me. I've listened to people who have left the church and it appears that they are feeling all of these emotions. They seem filled with indignation. They have a vehement desire to bring down the church. Clearly, they have zeal for their cause. And certainly, they want revenge on the church that has exposed such feelings of remorse in themselves. Truly, this selfish type of "sorrow of the world worketh death."

It's hard to hear hard things. It's hard to be the one that should change. It's so much easier to place blame somewhere else. If the church can be at fault, I am relieved of the uncomfortable responsibility of painful change. My brain wants me to be the good guy and others be the villain. If I am ever considering another person to be the cause of my pain, I should take a closer look at myself. I'll never be able to change someone other than myself anyway.