I have the right to do anything, but ... - 1 Corinthians 10

Today we are looking at just 1 Corinthians 10:23 - 24, but noticing the duplication with 1 Corinthians 6:12. Paul repeats this line "I have the right to do anything", but in both chapters Paul spells out that it isn't quite that straightforward!

With freedom in Christ you can argue that you can do anything you like. Yet of course in reality not everything is beneficial - there are many things that can or will cause harm, and prove destructive. Paul also understands that some things might appear harmless but without careful consideration can end up mastering us. Our experience proves this right over and over - think how many of us are addicted to our mobile phones or social media feeds! That doesn't make your phone or social media bad in itself - for sure you can use these things, but think how they are beneficial or how they might master you rather being a tool for you.

But the other big problem is that the harm might not be just for you - the action may hurt others around you. Paul warns that 'not everything is constructive' - it might not be helpful, or might not build up. Even worse it might actively tear down or undermine the relationships you have with others (or with God). None of us lives in a fully isolated bubble - the actions we take affect others (right up to the level of climate change!).

On the basic behaviour level we need to be mindful of every action, and every word. Schools have worked this out, instilling 'behaviour values' that are worded in terms of our consideration for others.

So we need to go through life considering our actions and the way we live carefully. That is all fine when we can see and perceive perfectly clearly. Yet what about the circumstances where we are myopic - where we think we can see but in fact are blind to factors or potential consequences? Maybe other people can see that we are at risk of heading for trouble even if we can't. In those circumstances would we want them to tell us? Do we trust each other enough to let others offer us observations? At what point would we want someone else to flag to us 'danger!'?

Let Jesus guide us and give us wisdom. May we listen carefully for His guidance, so that we can make good choices and speak good words to each other.