Week of November 17

Let’s argue! One of Paul’s wonderful attributes, and there were many, was his use of argument. No, not the hair-pulling, veins-popping-out kind that we too often encounter in our current culture. I mean rhetoric! If you want to know where Paul is going with an idea, then all you must do is see from whence the idea was flowing. I follow the verbs. In our focal context, he reaches back to 1 Corinthians 8 and the discussion about meat sacrificed to idols, and then steps forward to the coming portions of the letter. Let’s follow along with his line of reasoning, and then apply God’s truth to our lives.

Paul provides us with a different perspective when he teaches the Corinthians that, even though the moral concern of meat sacrificed to idols is largely a non-issue, he knows it can be hurtful (cf. ch. 8; 10:23-11:1; EBC). We must not overreact; he has not thrown us a moral curve. Instead, Paul lays down before us a couple of principles in this passage.

First, we have an individual freedom to choose, but we need to choose wisely (10:23). I have suggested before that we “frame our moral actions.” One side of a moral decision is the proper use of our freedom (Galatians 5:1a). Our autonomy also comes with the responsibility to choose our actions wisely (Galatians 5:13; “don't use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh”). “Lawful” means an action that is possible without hindrances. We are to ask ourselves if a particular action will strengthen or weaken our spiritual growth.

Secondly, we are to do good. Paul states that our freedom should be used to “edify.” We are, literally, to “build up” the spiritual house that is in Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27, “you are the body of Christ”). There are no “lone wolves,” despite what people may say. Paul expands on the idea when he says, “not to seek one’s own good, but the good of his neighbor” (10:24). Our churches, for example, are not resort hotels, built for our comfort, and our pastors are not to be treated as concierges. Pastors also need to be reminded that church members are not a personal “maid service.”

The wider point for today

The ethic I teach in these Pathway Devotionals is based upon the nature and actions of our holy God (Exodus 34:6ff.) So, we look at moral choices through the lens of the Scriptures and are guided by the Holy Spirit. Make no mistake, Paul wanted the Corinthians to look through the “God is Creator” lens when making their moral choices (10:31). Let’s put some skin on Paul’s principles.

President Jimmy Carter, at age 100, has been termed the best former President because of his extraordinary humanitarian spirit. He worked for years on Habitat for Humanity houses! Mr. Carter used his freedom for the good of his neighbor, and he modeled right and just moral action. He shows us an example of how to frame moral action. Keep in mind that he drove nails into houses during the week, but for decades he drove home the word of God on Sundays when he taught his Sunday School class. His Christian beliefs were kept in moral balance with service to a just God (Mark 12:28-34). We should look in the mirror to see what we are building in life.

1. We are all building something and someone. Examine a recent moral choice you made, and then examine it to see how many of the 1 Corinthians 10 principles were at work in your actions.

2. For Families: Teaching our children this principle is important for a flourishing, healthy, mature Christian life. God gives us freedom to choose wisely, to do good, and to be His people. This would make a great theme for a hand-made book!

Provide paper, magic markers, or water colors, and invite your kids to the table. Explain to them about Paul’s point in this passage. He has given human beings the magnificent gift of freedom. But this gift is always used best when God directs our decisions.

Have your kids design a book with the title, “I am thankful for . . .” Let them choose and illustrate many things for which they are grateful. Ask them to put somewhere in their book the phrases, “for freedom to choose wisely” and “for decisions to do good.”

When finished, let them take their book to school for “show and tell.” Encourage them not only to read it to their class, but always to choose wisdom and good.

May your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock