DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOOD, BETTER, BEST

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – GOOD, BETTER, BEST

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being." (I Corinthians 10:23-24)

We are all faced with the challenge of deciding the difference between what is acceptable and what is best. A certain thing may be acceptable according to our faith, but it may not be the best.

When Paul said that all things are legitimate, of course we understand that there are parameters to what is acceptable. Violations of the 10 commandments and the moral law are never acceptable. So we would have to limit the "all" to the test of what is morally acceptable.

But even within that parameter, we need to understand that even though some things are morally neutral or even good and acceptable, not everything is the best choice.

For example, helping the poor is good according to the Bible. But giving them money is not always the best thing we could do for them. Perhaps a better thing would be to help them learn to use their resources wisely. Maybe they would profit more by learning to budget their money. The question is, what would help their well-being more?

On a personal level, I may desire something, or to do a certain activity, but in the long run, it may not be the best for me, for my family, or for my Christian witness. I need to see beyond myself and my own desires to see how it will affect other people, what is best for them.

Scripture says that we should not be conformed to this world's way of doing things, but to be transformed by a new mind-set that we may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). Discerning what is good and acceptable and perfect requires having our minds enlightened by God's Spirit. Seeking God's understanding is always a good thing to do.

Love, Dad