How Far Is Too Far?

Posted on Feb 2, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, How Far Is too Far, When in doubt

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)

The church in Corinth was struggling with their newfound freedom in Christ, and with that they were asking a question that Christians have been asking for years “What can I get away with and still call myself a Christian?”

Instead of giving them a nice little list of Christian rules, the Apostle Paul tells them they are not asking the right question. Instead of asking the infamous “How far is too far?” question, Paul challenges them to ask this question instead: “What can I do to benefit others? How can I intentionally seek to help others, even at the risk of some of my freedoms?” It is a totally different question. It is a question that can change our lives.

Ask yourself this question right now: How am I setting up other people to grow in their relationship with Jesus?

That is the heart of what Paul was saying to the Corinthians and it is still applicable to us. Yes, we have a freedom in Christ. Yes, we have the right to eat, drink and be merry. We even have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What would it look like if we were willing to sacrifice those freedoms to benefit others?

It is so profound that Paul uses the word “seek”, because it implies being intentional with your actions. When you played Hide and Seek as a kid and you were the “seeker”, you were very, very intentional at seeking (or else you weren’t very good!).

What can you do today to intentionally seek the good of others? What can you do today to help someone grow closer to Jesus?

I struggled as to weather I should share this or not because I didn’t want to come across as if I was condoning certain things but I realized this is not what it’s about, it’s about putting aside those things to help someone grow closer to Jesus. Doing something to please yourself that you feel you have the right to do to then cause someone to fall away or be consumed by whatever “it” may be isn’t worth it. Nothing in this life is worth missing eternity over nor is anything in this life worth causing someone else to stumble and fall away from Jesus, you will be held accountable for those you led to or away from God. Just remember that the next time you question how far is too far. When in doubt, throw it out.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 3:9-17