WHAT IS LAWFUL MAY NOT BE WHAT IS BEST

For those of you who have been driving for some time, surely you know by now that there are some basic, understood “rules of the road” that are applicable most everywhere unless there is a sign that indicates otherwise.  One particular “rule of the road” is that you are free to turn right on red. 

However, just because you have the freedom to turn, does not mean you should turn in any and every situation?  What if there is a big diesel truck barreling through the intersection?  Do you turn?   No.  Though you do have the freedom to turn on red, you have to yield to oncoming traffic.

There’s a great biblical principle here, and it’s this, “Just because something is lawful, does not make it right in any and every circumstance.”  As Christians, we have a lot of freedoms.  There are certain activities that the Bible either remains silent on or at times permits.  That being the case, Scripture is also clear that just because we have certain freedoms does not mean we should exercise them whenever and wherever we feel like it.  The reason why is because of what that might mean for our other brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Now some will hear that and say, “Who cares?  That’s their problem.  I’m free to do it, therefore, I’m going to do it whenever and wherever I feel like it.”  Many of us respond like Abel’s brother Cain in Genesis 4 when he said, “Am I my brothers keeper?”  Many of us think in this way.  We think, “Why do I have to concern myself with other peoples hangups?  I know what Scripture teaches—I know my freedoms.   So he or she is going to have to get over it.”

The problem with that logic is this; Scripture tells us, “You are your brothers and sisters keepers.”  Think about the responsibilities that God has left for us, His people.  We have been called to seek out followers of Him and when the lost are found we are called to disciple them.  As believers we are also called to pray for one another, edify one another, sharpen one another and train and teach one another. 

In 1 Corinthians chapter 8, Paul tells his readers that, at times, we are also supposed to refrain from certain activities out of love for one another.  He tells us that there are times when we should allow love to limit our liberties.  If you want to hear more on 1 Corinthians 8 click HERE and listen to the sermon entitled, “WHAT IS LAWFUL MAY NOT BE WHAT IS BEST.”