All Things: Are Not Helpful

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything"—but I will not be mastered by anything.

1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)*

Stunningly, Jesus died to make us free: free from all things causing distance from God; free from the harm of Satanic legions, and free from religious hypocrisy. When Christians walk forward in these freedoms, EVERYONE is helped.

Stunningly, Jesus lived to show us how: how to live by faith through terrible things; how to show love to all kinds of people, and how a saint lives, simply and humbly. When we forget to follow Christ’s lifestyle, NOBODY is helped.

1 Corinthians and Romans 14 discuss lifestyle liberties for Christians. Although they’re about what and how we eat, consider the theme of these messages:

'Resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way' (Romans 14:13).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Yes, your eating habits are important, but much more so are your LIVING habits. Because you were created to be seen. Because you were raised to reflect Jesus. Because fans want to copy your lifestyle.

  • Maybe junk food doesn't seem to hurt you.

  • Maybe you can afford expensive “toys”.

  • Maybe wearing lots of bling is your style.

  • Maybe wearing skimpy clothes is your choice.

  • Maybe you’ve been hurt by cruel people.

  • Maybe smack-talking them seems justified, 

But in all of these lifestyle decisions, are you following the lifestyle of Chrst?

Devoted fans want to eat what you eat. They want to live, look, and follow your path. They hate what you hate. They love what you love.

What do their choices have to do with you? Leadership bears responsibility.

  • ‘From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.’ (Luke 12:48).

  • ‘Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant… For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others  ‘ ” (Matthew 20:25-28).

Your off-stage lifestyle MATTERS IMMENSELY, as did the lifestyle of Jesus, the Man.

How you live either illustrates your faith– or denies it and harms to cause of Christ. God forbid! I have confidence in you!

All Things: Are Not Helpful (Part 18)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* 'There is a liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, in which we must stand fast. But surely a Christian would never put himself into the power of any bodily appetite. The body is for the Lord; is to be an instrument of righteousness to holiness, therefore is never to be made an instrument of sin' (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary): http://biblehub.com/commentaries/1_corinthians/6-12.htm

* 'But all things are not expedient; when the doing of them destroys the peace, comfort, and edification of others; when it stumbles and grieves weak minds...' (Gill's Exposition): http://biblehub.com/commentaries/1_corinthians/6-12.htm

Carey Arban