"Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 -

Paul regularly pens a ‘vice list’ in his letters, reminding people of their previous conduct and warning about returning to their old, sinful ways. Today’s list is tailored to Corinth’s self-centered and godless lifestyle, characterized by greed, idolatry, dishonesty, and immorality. Twice Paul declares that those who persist in these behaviors ‘will not inherit the kingdom of God’ (vs 9,10).

We should not single out homosexual behavior in this passage as if Paul is teaching us here about sexual orientation. He is not. Paul is dealing with the self-indulgent lifestyle out of which the Corinthian Christians were called. Many homosexual behaviors condoned in Corinth would be illegal today, even where same sex relationships are encouraged. The abuse of young boys (and girls) in pagan temples was pedophilia. We are called to emulate Jesus in lives of selflessness and humility, living in this age the values of the kingdom which is both present and yet to come.

Prayer: Holy One, only your power in my life can demonstrate to others the difference that Jesus can make in a life. Lord, release your power in me.

(From Encounter with God)