NT in 40 :: 1 Corinthians 1:1-11:34

Scripture :: 1 Corinthians 1:1-11:34

Thoughts ::

Today's scripture passages come from the New Living Translation.

4v7 What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?

Everything I have is a gift from God. The very air that I breathe - gift from God. My family - gift from God. The ability to make money - gift from God. Roof over my head - gift from God. The pain I experience when I make a poor decision - gift from God. All of life, every aspect, is a gift from God. Therefore, I can be thankful in all circumstances and be joyful always because even though it may not make sense at the time it is all a gift.

7v31 Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away.

Stuff in itself is not bad. Possessions that God allows us to have are not evil. Paul says to go ahead and make use of these things. Enjoy them even. But don't spend energy pursuing them. Don't allow them to control your life. Don't allow your desire and your passion to be focused on consuming wealth, possessions, and stuff. When you focus your worship, attention, passion towards God, the things of the world become less desirable.

8v9 But you must be careful with this freedom of yours. Do not cause a brother or sister with a weaker conscience to stumble.

And later Paul says:

10v23 You say, "I am allowed to do anything" - but not everything is helpful. You say, "I am allowed to do anything" - but not everything is beneficial. Don't think of your own good. Think of other Christians and what is best for them.

These two verses are important to me. God has given me some freedoms in this walk with him but I have to be careful not to abuse the freedom or use my freedom to cause others to stumble in their walk. Through some difficult past experiences, God has been continually teaching me this important lesson.