May 8th

May 8th  

One of the things that the Holy Spirit does for us is to give us wisdom about what we should and shouldn’t do when we are faced with things that are not clearly wrong. First, common sense should tell you that if you have to ask, then you probably shouldn’t do it. But to go all scriptural on you -we have to ask the Holy Spirit for His input.

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

This particular passage refers to eating or drinking things that others may find offensive. The bottom line is that because nothing is wrong to eat (healthy food of course, not drugs or poison) we have no restrictions in our Christian faith. However, because the Jewish faith did have dietary restrictions Paul was making a point here that just because we are allowed, doesn’t mean we should…if it is going to offend others and keep them from hearing the gospel. The dietary issues are not as much of an issue in our western culture but other things can be and Paul uses this verse also in other circumstances as well.

Overall, this practice should also be applied to our lives in all areas so that we make wise decisions. We may make decisions based on our knowledge and find out later that we “shouldn’t have done that” for reasons that weren’t obvious at the time. We could save ourselves some heartache if we would consult Him first instead of asking for His help cleaning up the mess we made.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

The bottom line is that we put our own preferences aside and instead we do everything we can for the glory of God, even the small stuff that may seem insignificant. So we must rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us to do or not do things that we would normally not consider offensive. The Holy Spirit knows those around us who are watching who may be offended. He also knows what may cause problems for us in other ways that we are not aware of at the time.

Let me give you another example of something that is not about anything being right or wrong. There have been times when I am driving somewhere and on the way I feel like the Holy Spirit wants me to take a different route than I usually would. Sometimes I find out later that there was a car accident on the route I would have taken. Sometimes I don’t find out anything, but I have learned to trust that the Holy Spirit knows best even if I never find out the reason for His direction.

Bottom line is, because God has appointed our lives to cross the paths of others on purpose so we can be the light to them, we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that we are where we are supposed to be, when we are supposed to be there.

Acts 17:26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.

In addition, we have to protect our reputation/witness by avoiding partaking of things that would offend and prevent the Gospel from spreading.

Of note, this does NOT mean compromising the Truth or watering down the Gospel in order to not be offensive, but it does mean being careful about what you DO that may reflect badly on Jesus. For example, you would not want to be running around drunk, or gambling away your paycheck,etc. and then try to tell people about Jesus (-it’s not a bad idea to use the WWJD rule of thumb for those kind of things.)

In all matters, it is wise to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance so that we remain in the center of His will and plan.

Jesus, thank you for the Holy Spirit. Help me to remember to be sensitive to your voice and seek your input. I want to be a good witness to others about you. Help me to be sensitive to what I can do to be more inviting. Help me to be full of grace and seasoned with salt so that I can reach others for you. Help me to remember to seek you and to listen for your direction. Thank you for including me in your plan.