‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are beneficial. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything.” vs. 12
1 Corinthians 6:12-15
One of the first reactions people have to the gospel of grace is, “Wow, if all my sins have been forgiven in Christ, I am free to do whatever I please.” When Paul heard that reaction, he went apoplectic. That attitude makes a sacrilege of the gospel! It is true that in Christ we have complete freedom, but we will by no means do anything we please. There are just too many things out in the world lying in wait, eager to get control and enslave us. Paul was stubborn. Having been set free, he didn’t want to be dominated by anything. Many of us know exactly what he means. In our freedom we have experimented with any number of interesting diversions. On the surface they seem innocuous, not a threat to anyone–some even claim to be beneficial–but once they get a hold on you they can suck up time and money, and even ruin health and relationships. Sometimes their captivity is so complete we are driven to the edge of despair and beyond. Anyone who wants to live freely in Christ quickly learns to inventory the ways they spend their time or money, and when things get out of control, they turn away from the distraction and recommit themselves to those things which make for joy.
Thought for the Day: What threatens to dominate my life?
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