All Things Are Not Expedient

Freedom is the benchmark of all legislation in America.  It is the premise that has built our country into a strong nation that has always sought to give its citizens a fair playing field to build our lives and families.  Unfortunately, it was never perfect; from its inception down to our generation today.  We had to grow in the understanding of who should have rights.  With the fifteenth amendment passed in 1870, all races, people of color and of a previous condition of servitude (i.e. slavery) were given the right to vote.  Women’s Suffrage; the right for women to vote, did not get enacted until 1920, by the nineteenth amendment.  Though these rights were steps in the right direction, full freedom and rights as ensured by the Constitution were not afforded to all Americans.  The Civil Rights movement of the 1960s put a new focus on freedom and equality for all.  The unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as defined in the Declaration of Independence still do not guarantee freedom from persecution and prejudice; but we have come a long way.  There will never be perfect legislation as long as man is doing the writing and as long as our society, nation and world; follows only the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law.

Jesus Christ did not come to do away with the letter of the law; but came to magnify it in our hearts.

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:  (28)  But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”      Matthew 5:27-28

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.  (18)  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”        Matthew 5:17-18

The Apostle Paul expounded this teaching.  We answer to a high power than man’s government.  At the same time of the 1960s Civil Rights movement; another movement was born; it was a cultural revolution that was fueled by sex, drugs and rock n’ roll.  “Anti-establishment” became the platform of many young people; especially among college students.  By the 1970s, freedom self imploded into, “anything goes,” “if it feels good, do it.”  Being a teenager in the 1970s; the new social freedoms were like playing Russian roulette.  The drinking age was lowered to 18 and schools began teaching intimacy without moral values.  Addictions to sex, drugs and rock n’ roll; became common.   At every basketball game, an ambulance would be called to rush some student to the hospital because of a drug overdose.  Paul addresses the control of addictions:

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”        1 Corinthians 6:12

The 60s and 70s have left our world today in addiction.  We have the freedom to “be bought under the power” of so-called freedoms.  Left to our own will, we can destroy ourselves.  It is only by surrendering our will to Jesus Christ, that we can find true freedom.  The Holy Ghost alone will give us discernment and illumination for our path; allowing God to order our steps on a path to glory and eternal life; a path that will edify the body of Christ.

 “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”             1 Corinthians 10:23

 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalms 37:23

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I want to surrender to you in all things.  My life is yours.  Order my steps on a path that will lead me to you; and lead me to unspeakable joy; to everlasting life with you.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.