ARE ALL THINGS LAWFUL?
What does Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 where he says; "All things are lawful"!
Paul means that all things ‘in Christ’ are lawful! Paul is not saying that all things that the world offers is lawful for us! Paul is also saying that; "Not all things in Christ and in the world are profitable, because we can become easily sidetracked. Paul knew how difficult it was to stay on course. Just by following his journeys you know that even though he would be taken off course he was able to accomplish his work for Christ because his direction never changed.
Let’s look at one area in our culture that has gotten out of hand. One of the ‘rats’ of the world are those who are sue happy. Lawsuits are prevalent and take up much of the space in our courts. As Christians we should not become a part of it. 1 Corinthians 6:1-3 it asks the question; "As Christians, who should we be judged by? Our laws or by each other"? Paul says Christians are to judge each other! In 1 Corinthians 6:4-8 it asks another question; "Should we file lawsuits against one another"? The answer here is; No! Work it out but not in court where the world may judge you.
As Christians we should deal with one another as the scriptures dictate. As Saints we judge the world by our actions. We are to be righteous, doing what is right. We also will judge the angels by our actions. Unless our courts are filled with living Christians, we shouldn’t place ourselves in the position where the world judges us.
One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:13 where Paul talks about what we can do. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"! You may ask; "Does Christ strengthen us to do worldly things too"? The answer is clear; "Only those things that are lawful" and within God’s will! Jane Ann