Reading
Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (The Message)
Reflection
By the time many children are toddlers, they have already begun to understand the difference between right and wrong. But knowing what is right does not always mean they choose to do it. Children are also famous for finding loopholes, finding ways to do things that are not technically wrong, but still aren’t wise.
When my sister and I were children, I cannot count the number of times we would be bickering, she would tell me to stop touching her, and I would hover my hand right next to her while repeating the famous line, “I’m not touching you!” And technically, I wasn’t. But when my sister was six years older than me—and much stronger than me—this probably wasn’t the wisest choice. Still, I did it over and over again simply because I could. Honestly, some of the worst decisions I have made in my life were made for that very reason: just because I could.
The truth is, a lot of us don’t completely grow out of this as adults. We may not hover our hands over our siblings anymore, but we still find ourselves getting close to things we know are not good for us. We tell ourselves, “Well, I’m not technically doing anything wrong.” But even if we haven’t crossed a clear line, we may still be moving toward something that does more harm than good. Some of those choices are more destructive than others, but none of them lead us where we truly want to go.
As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians, not everything we are free to do is beneficial. Jesus did not live with a “what can I get away with?” mindset. His choices flowed from a life deeply rooted in love for the Father and a desire to do God’s will. Following Christ means asking more than whether something is technically allowed. It means asking bigger questions: Will this draw me closer to God? Will it help me love others well? Will it lead me toward the person Christ is shaping me to be?
Prayer
Holy and Loving God,
When we are tempted to live near the edge, turn our hearts toward what is good, wise, and life-giving. Help us follow the example of Jesus, making choices that reflect your love and draw us deeper into relationship with you. Amen.
