“You can’t deny me my rights!” The chant is heard far and wide. It seems everyone wants to remind the world of his rights.
God has something to say about our rights. And, it just might surprise you. I Corinthians 6:12 recognizes our rights. “I have the right to do anything, but not everything is beneficial.”
I can, I am permitted to, do anything– but is everything good for me? If I am in Christ, God expects me to ask myself that question. He wants me to think critically about and accurately assess each opportunity, every choice, all situations.
“I have the right to anything”, as the verse continues, “but I will not be mastered by anything.”
In my assessment, I must ponder, ‘is this choice something that could master or distract me?’ If the answer is ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’ what is the better option for me?
What if I made a determined decision to eat healthfully with no added sugar, but I can’t leave the company candy dish alone? Am I mastered by something else?
Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
When we don’t have the defense of self-control, the enemy can find a way to master us. Our defenses, our protective walls are down. In that state, he can walk right in. And oh, he does, ever-so-gleefully.
God wants us to consider if the choice is beneficial- the better question- than, is it allowed?
Honestly, that’s not always the question that pops into my head as I’m mulling over options. But I would sure like it to be! In Isaiah 58:11 God promises to help with wisdom, discernment, and guidance if I choose to ask. Will you too, claim the promise of Isaiah 58:11 in asking for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for my rights to govern myself. I am still accountable to You and I should not sin. But You allow me to think about and decide for myself what is right for me as far as habits and behaviors that aren’t sinful. Help me accurately evaluate what is beneficial for me. Help me to learn to gauge my choices with wisdom and discernment of what will draw me closer to You. Please help me develop self-control in choosing what is better for me. In Jesus’s name, Amen.