I Corinthians 6:12
“All things are permitted for me, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”
When I first heard this passage I couldn’t believe it. I had begun to learn of grace, so I could see Paul saying it, but it was quite foreign to my religious upbringing.
Growing up much of my faith tradition was about sacrifice. I couldn’t give enough. My early years in the faith I struggled with this. While the phrase WWJD had arrived yet, that was punishing. This comparison always left me feeling like I should do more. That’s why today’s passage didn’t seem possible.
I now know this passage to be true. However, some boundaries exist. The “All things” discussed are referring to gray areas. Meaning the forbidden things in the bible didn’t become ok. The restrictions in the Ten Commandments are still wrong.
All of the gray is ok. I can watch tv as much as I want. I am free to do it. The second phrase bring in reason. “not all things are of benefit”. Constantly watching tv wouldn’t benefit me. I would get sick of it.
What is amazing is that God approves of me in Christ. The freed person gains something the religiously bound person doesn’t. This is what the person who rejects God really wants, freedom. He doesn’t understand God wants him free also. It comes in the context of trust. The unbeliever doesn’t trust God.
Because of this freedom we can trust Him and give ourselves more. It’s as if He is waiting for us. “Watch your tv. I’m still here.” We can’t believe He’s letting us do this. We test it. He really means it. We see that we really don’t want to watch that much tv.
We learn that He is all good and all wise and He wants to guide and use us. Not as slaves, but as children of a Father who knows best. We give Him the reigns. We want Him to take and use us. He knows what we are good at far better than we do. He is the Master of all. What a privledge that He wants to use us.
He uses us to bring others to Him, to heal them and restore them. What a cool thing to help with. We have to get through the selfish phase of exhausting our want to’s. It’s maturity. His will even though I usually don’t know what it will be, we know Him. It’ll be great. The Corinthians weren’t there yet.
Thank You, Lord, for the freedom You gives us. Thank You for the wonderful will You have for us. You are so good. Thank You, for Your patience.