1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

Paul, having been a student of the law, is not saying he is free to do whatever he wants.

He is saying that even if he did violate the law it would not disqualify him from the eternal promises of God. He would still suffer worldly judgment and punishment.

He is speaking about moral dilemmas. Just because he can, does not mean he should.

We find that man’s laws change on a whim, but the promises of God are eternal. It was against the law to produce and consume alcohol at one time in America. Prohibition was changed by law because they understood that legislating morality doesn’t work. It led to rebellion.

Many of the things that were once illegal are now legal. That does not make them right. This isn’t about questioning the judgment of law. It is about understanding the second part of Paul’s warning in the opening verse. Some lawful things can be harmful. Some things lawful can feed addiction.

Life circumstances change. What God allowed in His good will may become a moral dilemma in His perfect will. We will have to decide to recognize His perfect will and refrain from a behavior that was in our past acceptable to God. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should.

God did not change His mind, but circumstances might change His degree of will.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

We do not live this life in a vacuum. Others may be struggling and need us to come along beside them and help them stand. If what we allow in our personal lives becomes a stumbling block for others, God would prefer that we show restraint for that which we can do for the sake of another who is struggling.

Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

That is a moral dilemma.

Psalm 10:4 In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”

Psalm 14:1The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

We can see there is a great need for a public discourse because we can see and hear for ourselves that the words of these psalms exist in today’s society.

1 Timothy 1:16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

My patience hasn’t been tested yet. I do not want to fail if the opportunity for public discourse shows itself.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Until my faith is tested I cannot say for sure that I am able to be gracious.

I would like to think that I will answer every question honestly and with sound reasoning. As I sit here typing and posting in the safety of my office, I am not challenged. In this present season of life I am surrounded with polite and open people that are courteous and friendly. They make it easy to be me.

I don’t live where those shouting out against righteousness live. I do not feel a calling to go and seek them where they live. I have responsibilities placed on me by God.

Isaiah 6:8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

I would like to think that I would answer as Isaiah did.

Until my instructions change, I will keep following my last command.

Preach the Gospel and take care of my wife because God truly loves her. She is worthy of love.

Philippians 3:18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

I know they are out there. I just haven’t met them. Yet.