Cassie“”I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”–but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12
One of my favourite projects in my undergrad was an essay on this chapter of Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. This particular part has always struck and convicted me in such an interesting way, and I simply had to share my prayers and findings with you.
You see, Christians often say, “I have the right to do anything.” We often feel the licensing of Jesus’ amazing Truth that He has set us free from sin. We say, then, “Well, what’s the harm in *insert sin*?”
For me, believe it or not, one of the most common justifications for many years was my tendency to justify my only eating “clean” foods.
The eating disorder that had taken over my life said, “You can eat this way. It’s fine. All things are lawful – and THIS is beneficial. I mean, you’re eating so healthily!”
But the thing is… this wasn’t beneficial. AND it wasn’t very in line with the thought that “all things are lawful.”
The way I now see this verse regarding food? Eating all kinds of foods is absolutely okay. Not all foods are beneficial for my body, sure, but I’m not condemned for eating the less healthy ones. Still, knowing what is healthy fuel for my body and what isn’t has always simply made me want to choose the healthier options more.
ALSO…
Sure, I am forgiven when I choose to make rules and restrictions regarding food, but I know this isn’t beneficial for my life, for my relationships with others, or for my relationship with the Lord, because I know He is FREEDOM. A freedom that doesn’t cause me to lose control… but causes me to surrender control back to the One who is in control in the first place.
THIS is how I have been able to see food as food. Not clean or unclean, not with labels or numbers or macros. Just food. Like the way a kid sees it… well, I’m not quite there yet, but that’s my goal. The kind of innocence of children that is faithful, trusting, and full of wonder.
How does this verse apply in your own life? Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that a habit or routine that you turn to is okay… but you know in your heart that it is not beneficial. That God wants more for you. That He’s calling you to surrender that thing.
I want to challenge you to take the labels off of life. Much like there is no “clean”/”unclean” food, God doesn’t call you to put your own arbitrary rules on everything in your life. He calls to take a deep breath, and talk to HIM. Give it to Him. Truly.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
