What’s in it for Me?

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 

"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Questionable things:

Should we or shouldn’t we participate in Halloween?

Is it ok for Christians to drink or smoke?

What kind of music should be in the church?

Different followers have come up with many contradictory answers, each with much conviction.

The answer here is everything is permissible.

In essence “Yes you may”.

May I have a pork chop when there are those who believe that it is morally wrong?

“Yes you may”.

May I have a gin and tonic with a friend even though some believe it is a sin?

“Yes you may”.

That solves the question from the I/my perspective.

But it may not be beneficial or constructive.

Beneficial is not that pork is bad for my cholesterol, therefore it would be better for me to not to eat it.

Beneficial here has to do with bearing and bringing together; to help another.

Do I have permission? Yes.

Does it benefit someone else? Will it bring us closer or keep us apart?

Now those are better questions.

Constructive?

Does it edify? Does it build the Church of God? Does it bring others closer to Christ?

That’s another couple of good questions.

May I …? Yes.

Should I?  How will others be effected?

I will not be close to Christ when it all comes down to what’s in it for me.

Are you seeking Christ’s will . . . a good check is are you seeking the good of others?

It’s not about me
It’s all about You
It’s not about my pride
It’s all about Your truth

And so right here from the start
I open up my heart
And say Lord here’s every part
Cause it’s all about You

Jesus, Jesus
Jesus, it’s all about You

Big Daddy Weave

 

Blessings,

Pastor Douglas