I Corinthians 9-11
Americans often seem to be obsessed with “rights”. Insofar as we stand firm to protect the rights of others, particularly those who might otherwise be powerless or oppressed, that is a good thing, for without the protection of individual rights or the rights of a minority, a democracy can quickly become indistinguishable from a lynch mob, where the will of the majority is done efficiently and effectively. So it is imperative that we stand up for rights as an act of love for those who need protecting. The alternative is tyranny.
But how about when we stand up for our own rights? How about when we assert our own freedoms at the expense of others, or — more importantly — at the expense of the Gospel? Do we love our rights more than one another? Do we cling to our rights more than to God?
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
I Corinthians 10:23-24
In other words, just because you technically have the freedom or the right to do something, does not mean that you should go ahead and do it. First consider the effect of that action on others, and seek their good, not your own. This principle of love is sprinkled throughout today’s reading, from whether to eat meat sacrificed to idols (an issue we may not directly face today, but for which I am sure you can find parallels), to Paul’s own refusal of compensation (though he clearly has a right to such compensation), to sharing (or not sharing) a church meal.
So, the next time you partake of the body and blood of Christ (I Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-32), consider Christ’s surrender of rights before you think too much about asserting your own.
See also:
- August 24 (2021) / I Cor. 9:1-27
- August 25 (2021) / I Cor. 10:1-33
- August 26 (2021) / I Cor. 11:1-22
- August 27 (2021) / I Cor. 11:23-34
One more thing…
For future reference, it would be better to put the previous chapter, I Corinthians 8, together with today’s reading, rather than yesterday’s, as that is where Paul introduces the principle of willingly surrendering one’s rights and freedoms for the benefit of others.