You Have the Right

We, you and I have the ability to do all sorts of things. And I would dare to say that the majority of the things we do every day are of some benefit if not only to ourselves. Brushing our teeth, combing our hair or eating that third chocolate chip cookie. Oh! What? Three cookies not good? I beg to differ. The cookies are awesome, but you are right, that many cookies may not be very good for us.

*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. - 1st Corinthians 10:23-24

So what this is saying is that just because I can sit down and eat an entire batch of chocolate chip cookies doesn't mean I should? Can we get a second opinion on that? No? He made it pretty clear huh. I use cookies but apply that to other things. That jerk cut in front of you at the coffee shop, sure you could give him an ear full about how rude he is but who does that help? Lady at the dry cleaners shortchange you? You could refuse to pay next time but again, just because we can retaliate, repay anger with anger or violence with violence doesn't mean that we should. As is said here not everything is constructive. How can you face these situations to make them better? To make sure it doesn't happen again? How can we make sure we do not seek only for ourselves but to the betterment of others? I wish I could tell you I had the magic answer at the end of this video. The truth is every situation is different and will warrant a different reaction. But I would suggest that if we can approach each interaction with the mind of Christ and love in our words and actions that the outcomes would be beneficial. Not only for the other person but also for us. When we can be more Christ like we show others the love that Jesus has for us. That is very constructive for the kingdom. So remember, not everything is constructive and just because you can, doesn't always mean you should.

Press on. Fight the good fight. As a Soldier for Christ.