by Richelle Hecker

Turning toward Christ.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link. 

I don’t enjoy the concept of temptation. I find it frustrating that God placed things in His creation that we are meant to avoid. It began in the garden of Eden, with the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and continues today with a myriad of temptations for us. I understand that this is a result of establishing free-will, the ability to choose obedience, but that doesn’t mean I cease to struggle, or wonder if there could have been another way.

Though I find it easier to avoid the obvious, difficulty arises when there is a faint line between that which is acceptable or unacceptable. For example, pictured here are brownies made by my daughter. Eating one seems safe enough, and I understand that eating the whole pan would be gluttonous, but what is the actual line?

That is the type of question Paul was addressing when he wrote,

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 New International Version

Our intentions matter. When we focus on what we may not do, it tends to draw us close to the edge and, occasionally in rebellious frustration, right over it. Focusing on doing the right thing for the right reasons is much easier.

Examining the brownies from this perspective, I know that not eating any would make my daughter sad and eating all of them would sadden everyone else. The loving choice is to eat a bit, and then joyfully leave the rest for others.

There are many questions of right and wrong that are far more important than whether or not I eat brownies. However, the concept remains the same. Keeping our hearts and minds on God, and what pleases Him, draws us away from the edge of temptation and toward a fulfilling relationship with Him.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 New International Version

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