But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
There is a recent phenomenon called ghosting. You have been ghosted if someone cuts off all contact with you with no explanation, especially digitally. In our social media culture, receiving no reply to a text causes gasps. So too is not eating with someone in the ancient near east culture. That is why, to us, these words from Paul seem reasonable and to have a low impact. To Paul’s audience, not eating with someone was the ancient equivalent of ghosting. It is a drastic cutting off of someone once called “brother” or “sister”. For something this serious, Paul must have had a reason and it connects back to how Paul began the chapter. Associating with people who profess to be Christians and yet live their lives that are portrayed on the Jerry Springer show, is tantamount to living that life yourself because people will think you do.
Today, as Christians, let us remember whose name we bear and who we represent. We are ambassadors for Christ and we represent him in the world. To send a message to the world that Christians are no different than the corrupt culture surrounding it tells them that Jesus is no different than they are. In their eyes, Jesus is a sinner like us! We need to ghost those who profess faith in Christ, yet disgrace the name of Christ so they repent and become alive again in Christ.
Dear Lord, thank you for our new name. Help us to show others that your name is wonderful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church