Instead, the readings seem to invite us to keep lawful order, but retain perspective regarding its use. We are to maintain a sacred balance if we are to be a holy people. Paul proclaims them for the Corinthians and us in three brief statements. There is a lot packed into those words. Motivation, direction, instruction, and imitation are equally important.
Discernment is absolutely necessary in order to make it a practical way of life.
Even the apparently obvious command to imitate Christ must be applied with the clarity of care and compassion. If we take the words of the Gospel story literally, our task is simple. When confronted with lepers who wish to be made whole we are to be moved with pity. That is the initial step in our own conversion process. Leprous persons move us from apathy to passion.