May 8th, 2025
23 “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. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
Everyone has a lifestyle. The dictionary defines this as someone's typical way of living. It defines our daily habits, interests, opinions, behaviours and overall personality. Our chosen lifestyle has a profound impact on the way we speak, the way we dress, who we interact with, who we avoid, where we go and of course, what we choose to do with our time. It is likely that many of us have flocked to Christianity because of the freedom it promises us. Especially those of us who have come from strict, legalistic cultures or religions that forcefully prescribe a lifestyle upon people. We've chosen the way of Christ against these other lifestyles because it frees us from the bondage of man and turns us into servants of God. However, despite what you might think, following Jesus doesn't mean we get to choose any lifestyle we want. In reality, it simply means we have to be extremely careful and wise about the lifestyles we settle into.
Our passage today from the scriptures deals directly with this cautious way of living. Paul writes in quotations that we often believe we have the right to do anything. This mentality rings true for us in North America, the land of freedom and choice. We enjoy the wide range of benefits we have in this culture. We feel empowered to do anything and everything we want to do. And, we can live out all our dreams while simultaneously following Jesus without any high level of persecution. But Paul reminds us that although Christ has purchased our freedom, there may be lifestyles out there that are not beneficial to us. There might be life choices and preferences that are not very constructive for our faith in Christ. Make no mistake, Jesus has surely removed the chains that had bound us but He didn't release us without warning. He says to us as we go out, "My child, watch your step".
What does the Bible say over and over? Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is (Ephesians 5:15-17). In their hearts humans plan their life, but the Lord is the one who establishes their steps (Proverbs 16:9). Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil (Proverbs 4:26-27). We can see clearly that although we have the whole world at our fingertips, this world is hardwired to lead us astray and away from godly wisdom.
What should we do then? The Bible gives us at least two considerations to make before we settle into any chosen lifestyle. We must be able to honour and acknowledge the Lord and, we must be able to seek the good of others. In other words, we must be able to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbours as well (Matthew 22:36-40). Consider your own chosen lifestyle today. Do you live for yourself? Do you live to please your own desires and do what only makes you happy? Have you created a lifestyle in which you come first, God comes second and everyone else after? If we're confused if we have chosen an unwise way of living, there is still grace for us. We should seek out the counsel of other wise people in our life. We should pray and fast about the matter. Lastly, we should earnestly read the scriptures to see if God's Word speaks about it.
Again, we are reminded today. Not every lifestyle is beneficial to our walk with the Lord and it may even be a stumbling block to those around us. So then, let us hold fast to wisdom's call and build a life that is pleasing to the name of Jesus Christ.