I have the right to do anything (1 Corinthians 6:12).
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for abusing their freedom in
Christ. “I have the right to do anything,” you say – but not everything is
beneficial. “I have the right to do anything,” – but I will not be mastered by
anything (6:12 in its entirety).
In a self-indulgent society that sometimes rubs off even on
the church, Paul gives us some guidelines for discerning whether or not certain
choices are wise. Just because something is legal or permissible doesn’t mean
it’s smart. Paul gives two assessments.
It’s permissible, but is it good for me? Some things won’t hurt me, but they
won’t help me either. They aren’t
necessarily bad for me, but they’re definitely not good for me. Does that mean
I can never indulge? No, of course not. An occasional chocolate bar is a
delicious treat, but eating one every day is diabetes waiting to happen.
It’s permissible, but could it master me? Though I personally choose not to
drink, I know the biblical writers never say we should avoid alcohol
completely. At one point Paul actually recommends wine for its medicinal value
(1 Timothy 5:23), although in another place he warns against drunkenness
(Romans 13:13). My father and both my grandfathers struggled with alcoholism,
so my decision not to drink at all is based more on family history than
religious conviction.
Is it good for me? Could it master me? God leaves some
things to our own discretion.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
How do you use good
judgment regarding “permissible” things?
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