[When available, audio recordings of these devotions are posted at http://www.redeemerclc.info/audio-devotions]
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
THE RIGHT QUESTION
"Someday I'll drink all the root beer I want!" I remember thinking that at a time when my parents wisely limited me to one frosty mug of A&W. What did you look forward to: staying up past 9 pm, wearing what everyone else had in their closets, watching whatever you wanted on TV?
So what happened when you grew up? Did you indulge in all those things just because now you could? Probably not. With maturity comes the realization that the real question is not, "What can I do now as an adult?" but "What is good for me to do?"
That is especially true for us as children of God. Have you been asked by others, "Does your church allow you to _____?" In making plans, we might ask ourselves, "Is it OK to go _____ and do _____, or would it be sin?" God is very clear about right and wrong in the Ten Commandments, but there are many situations about which the Commandments do not provide specific direction. The Lord has given us a great deal of freedom.
The best question to ask, then, is not "What can I do? What are the limits?" but "What is good for me to do as a child of God?" In responding to the argument that "Everything is permissible," Paul wrote: "Everything is permissible—but not everything is beneficial" (1 Corinthians 10:23). A few verses later he adds, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Jesus has rescued us from the rule and condemnation of sin. He has covered us with the righteousness of His perfect obedience to the Commandments. God held Him accountable for all our sin on the cross and has pronounced us perfectly pleasing in His eyes. We are new people in Christ who want all our words and actions to honor Him. So as we go about our day, let's ask the right question.
