"I
have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial.
"I have the right to do anything"--but not everything is
constructive. 1 Corinthians 10:23
Corinth was founded as a city for
freedmen of Rome 44 years prior to Christ’s birth. It was an important port city located on a
narrow strip of land between Achaia and Greece.
The city was the 3rd largest in the Roman Empire and was
pretty much as depraved, morally speaking, as any other city in that period. Sadly, the Corinthian church was very much a
mirror of the city itself. It was a
melting pot of Greeks, Jews, slaves, freemen, rich and poor. This cross culture of humanity within the
church led to tensions and internal rivalries.
Paul had become at odds with them for their lack of spiritual maturity,
yet over time reconciled with them as brothers and friends.
The Corinthian church believed
strongly that they could do as they pleased and that is true even today. We can
literally do whatever we want. God will
not stop us from doing whatever suits our fancy. Having said that it should be explained that
not all the things we desire to do are beneficial or constructive for us. Paul hit the nail on the head when he shared
that with the prideful Corinthian believers.
In this day and age many people know
just enough about the Bible to be dangerous.
Their understanding is a patchwork of this verse and that, never quite
getting the whole message. This type of
lifestyle can lead to less than wise decisions.
Always remember that no matter what decisions we make in life
consequences will always follow. Imitate
Christ in all you think, say and do and don’t
concern yourself with what you think you may be missing out on. This world offers baubles and beads that
crumble over time. The Lord offers
truth, fulfillment, peace, mercy, forgiveness and hope. That trumps anything the world has to
offer. Until next time, walk with the
King and be a blessing!
Resources: Reformation Study Bible and The Asbury Bible
Commentary.
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