1Corinthians 6:12 (NLT) declares, “You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is good for you. And even though ‘I am allowed to do anything,’ I must not become a slave to anything.” As we transition into adulthood, we often feel a powerful sense of independence and entitlement. We convince ourselves that because we can live on our own, earn a paycheck, and manage our possessions, we can do whatever we please. But this mindset is dangerously misleading. Paul reminds us that true freedom is not about doing anything we want; it’s about understanding the responsibility that comes with our choices.
For those who have dedicated their lives to Christ, we must remember that our bodies and lives are not our own. 1Corinthians 6:19 reminds us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we don’t belong to ourselves, we belong to God, who bought us with the highest price imaginable; the life of His only begotten Son. God has purchased our freedom through Christ and following the example of Christ is required to maintain it. Understanding and accepting this truth can be challenging for many people, especially for those new to the faith.
Change is never easy, and hardly any of us enjoy being told we can’t do what we want and need to reevaluate our choices. Many of us long for the blessings that come with being obedient, but we don’t want to engage the work of discipline, sacrifice, and patience. This approach rarely leads to the outcomes we expect.
1Corinthians 6:12 reminds us that we have the freedom to make choices about how we live and treat our bodies. The Apostle Paul got this. He also knew that just because we have the legal right to do something doesn’t mean it’s in line with God’s Will. As God’s children, we’re held to a higher standard, especially those of us who claim to live righteously. As James 4:17 (NLT) puts it, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” With greater knowledge comes greater responsibility. God has blessed us with free will, giving us the power to shape our lives according to His purpose. The real challenge kicks in when our desires clash with the guidelines He’s set.
Recently, I spoke with a dear friend who ended her relationship with a man she had been dating for a little over a month. In the beginning, they communicated daily and seemed to be building a solid foundation, leading her to believe they were on the right track toward marriage. One night, after accidentally falling asleep on his couch, she ended up spending the night with him. When I suggested they should agree to spend time outside their homes to avoid temptation, she replied, “I’m grown—I know how to behave.”
A solid relationship that leads to marriage must be built on the foundation of Jesus Christ and guided by Him. As James 1:12 (NLT) states, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” When we practice discipline, sacrifice, and patience, we win the prize. However, succumbing to temptation in the early stages can extinguish a relationship before it has the chance to flourish. My friend learned this lesson firsthand.
While we do have the freedom to make choices, we are reminded in Galatians 5:16 (NLT), “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Yes, we can choose our paths, and sometimes the consequences of poor decisions aren’t immediate. But this doesn’t grant us a free pass with God. Paul warned the Corinthian church to avoid actions that could jeopardize their relationship with God. Can we do what we want? Absolutely, but we risk succumbing to our sinful nature.
The world around us often reflects values that stray from God’s design. Our vision of godliness is increasingly diluted. But God’s way works! As Christian singles, we must remember that we can’t navigate this journey alone. Building a successful, godly relationship requires support, accountability, and believers who will speak truth into our lives, even when it’s hard to hear. If you don’t have anyone in your life like this, pray to God for the strength to remain steadfast in your faith and for the right people to come around you.
Galatians 5:1 (NLT) tells us, “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Giving into temptation makes us a slave to the law, because the sins we commit have a price, and we must pay it. In other words, when we sin, we throw our own selves into prison, where the enemy can reap havoc. Let’s not do that. Christ has set us free from that old sin-and-bad-consequences game, so let’s stay out of it, and enjoy the freedom of living a life of love, light, and abundance; growing higher in blessings every day.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Am I Allowed to Do Anything? – Not Really” written by Kim Times, edited by Rev. Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.