Daily Reading // 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
1 Corinthians 10:23 (NKJV) All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
We have to change the question.
For so many the question is, “What type and how much sin can I do? What can I get away with? How close to the line can I get?” and “Why can’t I do whatever I want?”
Grace seems to cloud the issue even more. “If I’m under grace I can do whatever I want, right?”
Paul flips the question. It’s not about what I can get away with, what is legally allowable or lawful. It’s a whole different consideration. Paul asks, “Is it helpful? Does it edify?” Those are the questions we should be asking.
Not what’s the harm, but what’s the help? If a behavior or activity is not helpful, no matter how pleasurable it may be, Paul says don’t get involved in it. Focus on the helpful things.
Does it edify? Does it build up or tear down? I think Paul is talking about edifying me or edifying others around me. Sinful behavior doesn’t edify, it tears down.
Sin is not an issue of legal rights or permission. God is not enforcing some harsh and restrictive laws. Sin harms, it doesn’t help. Sin tears down, it doesn’t build up. God wants the best for me. Do I want the best for myself?
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, My Prayer today is what the psalmist prayed: Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.
(Psalms 139:23-24 NKJV)
Tomorrow’s reading -> Psalm 33:1-22
Great application. Thanks.
I like how it’s stated from my life application bible, where it says that Paul says his actions isn’t about he likes best but what is best for those around him. I’m guilty of being self-centered & selfish, thinking about what I want and really haven’t thought about the feeling it produces. Yet Thinking about it, I vaguely think it only produces a short term feeling of accomplishment. Where these last month or so I’ve been helping a wonderful friend move and thinking of his friendship and feelings of accomplishing this huge task of otherwise him doing all this moving by himself. We’ve enjoyed working together and getting everything moved and organized back into a comfortable living situation again. Thi…