In many ways, ″grasping″ is the story of our lives. We enter this world with nothing and, as we grow up, we find ourselves accumulating things and grasping at anything which might give us purpose, satisfaction, or an edge over others. Yet, nothing quite fits or fills the emptiness that gnaws away inside.

By contrast, Jesus came into this world full, but voluntarily emptied himself in life and death for us and for the glory of God (Philippians 2:6-7, 11). He chose not to grasp at power or position, but willingly made himself a ″nobody″.

The Corinthians who had put their faith in Jesus knew what it was to have Christ wash their lives clean (1 Corinthians 6:11). They had been set apart for God and put in a right standing with Him (v. 11). They had been united to Jesus (v. 17), filled with the powerful presence of God's Holy Spirit (v. 19), and had discovered that He satisfies in ways that nothing and no one else can (see John 4:14, 6:35, 7:37-38).

Yet, some of them are now grasping at personal advantage, using the secular courts (1 Corinthians 6:1, 4-6) and underhand methods (like bribes) to cheat their brothers and sisters (v. 8). Paul wants to shame them-″how dare you?″ (v. 1 NLT). He wants to lift their eyes to their future destiny-″we will judge angels!″ (v. 3). He wants to humble them-″is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?″ (v. 5).

Winning at any cost seems to be the order of the day. Not too long ago, the gospel had liberated them from habitually grasping at sex, idolatry, other people's property and reputation, drink and money (vv. 9-10). Somehow, however, the Corinthians had missed the fact that this same gospel empowers us to be willing to be ″wronged″ and ″cheated″ (v. 7). We can endure that, for Christ endured much worse.

Perhaps the Corinthians thought they could wrong others because Christ had set them free from moral restrictions (v. 12), and because our bodies don't matter and won't last (v. 13). But Paul insists that not everything helps. Some things enslave, and freedom doesn't mean being driven by our bodily appetites (vv. 12-13). God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit owns us (including our bodies), unites us to himself, and fills us (vv. 14-20). So, we must flee sexual immorality and any sin that harms us and dishonours God, and honour God with our bodies (v. 20).

Heavenly Father, help me not to ″grasp″ at anything but to be willing to be wronged. Help me to use my body in ways that honour God the Father, Son, and Spirit.