All things are lawful…

All things are lawful…

All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

Paul writes these words of encouragement in I Corinthians 10:23-24. Paul is talking about the freedom we have in Christ. We have to be careful because this freedom should be used with compassion and common sense. Just because our conscience is free to do something does not mean it is the right or best thing to do. In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul uses eating food offered to idols as his example. It may not bother us but if it damages our Christian witness we need to refrain. And then he goes on to say we should have this thinking in all that we do. It is Christ-like to care about and for others before ourselves. It is a daily prayer for me to put others first, that is God working in me. Pray that you will always strive to put the interest of others before your own selfish desires.

As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God’s glory. At the same time, don’t be callous in your exercise of freedom, thoughtlessly stepping on the toes of those who aren’t as free as you are. I try my best to be considerate of everyone’s feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too. VBS starts in 12 days. Please be in prayer as we will share the Gospel with children and families that entire week. Thank you for your love and support of VBS, the VBS workers and the children.

Singing His Praises!
Mark