EXPEDIENT!

EXPEDIENT!

           The word “expedient” is found only seven times in our Authorized version and all four are in the New Testament. It is from the Greek sumphero which means “to collect or to bring together.” Strong explains that it means “to conduce” but that too needs clarification. To conduce means “to bring about a desirable result.” So, hopefully, we now know that the word expedient often means a troublesome process that brings about a desired result.

           John’s gospel uses the word “expedient” three times. Twice, in John 11:50 and again in 18:14, Caiaphas, the high priest, presented the need to kill Jesus so that the culture and politics of the time would settle down. Caiaphas said that it was “expedient that one should die for the people.” I doubt he knew just how right he was!

           John also quotes Jesus in John 16:7 who said that it was “expedient” for him to “go away” so that the Comforter could come. As much as the disciples desired to keep Jesus with them in the flesh, it would actually be better or expedient that he be replaced by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

           First Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23 are almost identical and says: “all things are lawful for me but all things are not expedient.” In these verses Paul is saying that just because something can be done it doesn’t mean it should be done. The believer may need to exercise personal discipline in order to bring about a more desirable result.

           In Second Corinthians 8:10 Paul recommended saving for a special offering for the poor so that when it was time to give it would both be a larger amount but would have a lesser impact on the giver. He promoted planned and systematic giving as expedient. It brought about a desired result.

           In Second Corinthians 12:1 Paul was pressed for his credentials. While he had much to boast about, he said that boasting would not help him achieve the desired result of getting out the gospel. Boasting enhanced his personal image while preaching elevated Christ.

Dear Lord, today help me to be physically, spiritually, and emotionally disciplined so that I might accomplish a more desirable result. AMEN