NOT EXPEDIENT!

 

Saturday, November 12, 2022

 

NOT EXPEDIENT!

 

1 Cor 10:23

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. KJV

 

1 Cor 10:23

…not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].

AMP

 

          In all seven occurrences of the word “expedient” in the New Testament it is translated from the Greek word sumphero which, curiously, means “to collect together.” Think of it this way. Of all the things on the table from which you might choose, which is better?

 

          In John 11:50, Caiaphas declared, regarding Jesus, that it was expedient (the best of all things on the table) that one man should die for the people and that the whole nation perish not. He probably had no idea how right he was!

 

          Jesus said in John 16:7 that it was expedient or better for him to go away [die and return to heaven] so that the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, could be given to us. While He was “in the flesh” he was local but in the form of the Spirit He could indwell and be with every believer. We must agree that is better.

 

          Paul said in 2 Cor. 8:10 that it is expedient or better to gather the offering to send to the poor saints in Jerusalem. Systematic giving always garners more than casual or haphazard giving that is emotionally driven. Yes, that is better.

 

          Paul says again in 1 Cor 6:12 and 10:23 that grace has made most things “lawful”, but all things are not expedient. Essentially, he is saying that just because you CAN does not mean that you SHOULD. Of all the lawful things on the table expediency gathers together what is best and chooses that one thing.

 

          Obeying the law is much easier than making discretionary choices. If it is unlawful or sinful, just don’t do it. But what if it is lawful but not wise? Ah, that requires the gathering of good information. I find that, without complete understanding of all the aspects of a possible choice, I must make that choice based upon the information that I have and leave the consequences to God.

 

          Of all the choices presented to us today we must gather together those opportunities and choose what is better. Happy sorting!

 

Dear Lord, help me to make wise choices. AMEN