Young People's Group

LEARNING TO CHOOSE PRUDENTLY

by Pastor Mitch
June 10, 2007

Knowing How To Use Our Right

Do we really have the right to do whatever we want? The world certainly thinks so. The world feels that it has the prerogative to do what it wants and there is no need to be apologetic about it. In the text of 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul understood that people had rights in life as long as it was within the law. He wrote of how all things were lawful. But, as Christians, should we also make choices according to how the world chooses? Of course, we should not. Our right to choose in life should be circumscribed by wisdom and the word of God.

Choosing Wisely What We Do

There are two questions that we want to consider when it comes to making wise choices.

1. Is It Profitable?

“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.” 
1 Corinthians 6:12

The word “helpful” means profitable. In the context of this text, Paul was dealing with the problem of sexual immorality. Some weak Christians were “sleeping” with temple harlots as they went to worship in the temple of Diana. It was a common thing during the times of Paul to do this and yet it was totally wrong and sinful. Young people, our challenge is to choose not to do anything that may be sinful and unprofitable to our soul.

2. Is It Edifying?

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.” 
1 Corinthians 10:23

In this other context, Paul was dealing with the problem eating food offered to idols. Paul had a right to eat food offered to idols. However, if eating such food would cause a brother to stumble and not edify him, he would rather not do it. Before we make a choice to do something, let’s ask whether it is edifying. Does it help in building up another person’s faith? A mature Christian would always make choices with weak and younger Christians in mind.

Take Control Of Our Life

“But I will not be brought under the power of any.” 
1 Corinthians 6:12

Ultimately, we do not want to be controlled by anything that we do in life. We do want to allow ourselves to be addicted to anything in this world. We may have a right to play LAN games with our friends. However, in the process of doing so, if our friends become addicted to it and we cause them to stumble, it would be better not play such games with them. Young people, we must learn to take control of our lives. Let’s not be brought under the power of anything in this world. Let’s seek to choose wisely.

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