THE POWER OF NEGATIVE EXAMPLES

October 31 

Whether then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  1 Corinthians 10:31

We all need positive examples and role models to look up to and follow in our lives.  Besides good examples we find in the Bible to imitate, there are also negative examples for us to avoid.  In 1 Corinthians 10:1-15 we see God reminding us of mistakes the Israelites made on their way to the Promised Land as examples and warnings for us to learn from and not repeat. 

First (10:6), don’t lust/covet anything.  Second (10:7), don’t usurp God’s #1 position of worship and service in your life.  Third (10:8), don’t fall into any sexual immorality.  Fourth (10:9), don’t tempt Christ in bold presumption of His Word and will.  Fifth (10:10), complaining is not appropriate for God’s people.  These accounts of the Israelites are true negative examples for us to learn from.  We should indeed flee/abstain from all fleshly lusts (2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Peter 2:11), have no other gods/idols besides the Lord (Exodus 20:3-5), flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20), not tempt or test the Lord by ignoring His Word (Matthew 4:5-7) and do all things without complaining (Philippians 2:14).  God is just as serious today as He was then even though the consequences may differ.  

God urges us to BE AWARE of these “warning lights” (10:1-11). He desires us to BE HUMBLE, not proud/boastful, thinking you’ll never be like them (10:12).  BE ENCOURAGED, God promises to never allow you to be tempted above and beyond what you can bear (10:13).  BE-WARE, fleeing from idolatry in any form (10:14) and BE WISE, heeding these examples (10:15).  The bottom line question is “Will you?”  You’ve been duly warned and encouraged to be all you can be for Jesus.  Doesn’t He deserve it? 

Bob Kulp