Year B, Epiphany 6, Tuesday

Inspired by 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1

“‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are beneficial.  ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up.  Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other.”  1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Throughout much of the world, we enjoy freedoms unprecedented in human history.  Whether it’s individual liberties granted by the government or a loosening of social and cultural expectations, people are able to be more self-determining than ever before.  This truly is a gift, as it enables us to fully be the people God created us to be.

But like many gifts, self-determination and liberty can be abused.  Just because we can do whatever we want, doesn’t necessarily mean that we should.  God has given each of us gifts and abilities, and has placed each of us in a situation where we can proclaim his goodness and grace.  Government laws and cultural norms can be very permissive regarding how we use our gifts and abilities, but the will of the Lord constrains us to use them for his glory and purpose.

How can we tell if we’re abusing our gifts?  Remember that the will of the Lord is that all people know his love and his grace.  Is the only or primary outcome of your abilities your own personal advantage?  Then what you’re doing may be lawful, but it probably isn’t benefiting the kingdom.  Are you demonstrating God's love and grace in the use of your gifts?  Then you are using them to build up the kingdom.

There is no simple rule-book detailing what is right and what is wrong (that includes the bible, which is neither simple nor can it be reduced to a simple list of rules).  Rather we must actively seek the Lord in all that we do, keep his love and grace before us at all times, and then we will know when we should make full use of our liberties, and when it is better for the kingdom for us to practice some self-restraint.

Let us pray.  Lord of compassion, you have graced us with many freedoms.  Grant us the wisdom and the self-discipline to use our freedom to proclaim your love, that we may not use the gifts you have given us to mislead or enslave others.  Through Christ our Lord, Amen.