Friday, March 6, 2015

1 Corinthians 10: 23-24

"All things are lawful," but not all things are beneficial. "All things are lawful," but not all things
build up. Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other.

In I Corinthians 10, Paul is explaining the difference between worshiping God and worshiping
pagan idols. In verses 23 & 24, Paul explains that we have freedom of belief and a strong desire
for personal rights, but that is not always what God wants us to do.
This passage reminded me of a friend's remark after completing his first year of law school. "The
law tells us not necessarily what is right, good or just. It only tells us what is legal."
We may do anything that is legal, but that doesn't make what we do good or helpful. Some of
our wants and desires may help us, but hurt the community as a whole. God wants us to do
those things that are not only legal, but also to build up the whole community and to be a benefit
to everyone.
As humans, we want what we want, when we want it. God's desire for us is different. He wants
what is good for all. If we do something that is good for us, but bad for others, we are not
following the Great Commandment to love others as ourselves. Instead, we are worshiping the
demons who want us to think we are stronger than God. To be true and faithful followers of
Jesus, we have to strive to live like God wants us to live and think of others, not just ourselves.
Dear Jesus, Help us to live each day in ways pleasing to you. We realize that we often fail to live
up to Your expectations, but with Your help, we will do not only those things which are legal, but
those things that are right, good, and just as well.
In Your Name we pray. Amen
M. H.
Everything is permissible, but not
everything is beneficial.
1 Corinthians 10:23a

One of God's many gifts to

you is the freedom of choice.
Which path will your choices
take you down, today?
Sheryl Monique