Bible Challenge #26
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
Is it bad?
That is the question we are always quick to ask and quick to be concerned about. Is it bad that I did this? Is it bad that I said this to that person? Is this show or movie going to be harmful to my child? Is this choice going to hurt me or my walk with God?
But Paul’s principle for us to remember when applying our Christian freedom that we have learned about isn’t based on avoiding harmful things. The question Paul is calling to us to ask ourselves about what we choose to do, consume, and enjoy isn’t to ask whether it is a bad or harmful thing.
It is to ask if it is a GOOD and HELPFUL thing!
That may not seem like a big difference, but it makes a massive difference in how we live when we focus on pursuing what is good instead of avoiding what is bad. That music, book, TV show, or movie that you know is on the line, is no longer an uncertain decision when you are pursuing what is good instead of avoiding what is bad. Unsure where/what to spend money on or whether or not to buy something? Is it good and helpful, or simply not bad?
This approach completely changes how we live because as we pursue what is good, helpful, and beneficial, we don’t even have time or energy to consider the sins or poor choices we struggle with. Obviously this is not a road to perfection, there is no such thing this side of Heaven, but do you have something you are struggling to avoid?
Maybe it is some negativity or mean thoughts/words. Maybe it is a sin struggle. Maybe it is something that isn’t necessarily bad but isn’t building you or others up. Instead of being focused on avoiding the bad things, I challenge you to pursue what is good.
Spend more time with God in His Word and in prayer. Spend more time building intentional connections with your family, friends, coworkers, and sharing with them what you are learning about God and how He loves them and wants to change their lives.
