1 Corinthians 10:23-33 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. The precepts of the gospel sometimes fall in with, and sometimes oppose, the natural feelings of the heart. One of the strongest natural feelings is self-love. This principle in man is rebuked or countenanced by the doctrine of Christ, according to the manner in which it is modified by other principles. If it be single, the only motive which governs the character, it is then a thorough selfishness which leads to all sin, and is peremptorily denounced. But when it is kept under sober control, regulated by reason, limited by regard to the rights and happiness of others, and to the laws of equity, kindness, and truth, then it is allowed and advocated by Christianity. Our Lord would blot out and destroy none of the native characteristics of man; He seeks but to correct, renew, and exalt them. It is the purpose of the gospel to bring the benevolent principle to an equality, as far as possible, with the selfish. It would adjust the one by the other, graduate them side by side, and make them equal, active, and successful partners in the promotion of human happiness. I. THAT THERE IS AN OBLIGATION ON MEN TO LEAD USEFUL LIVES; AND THAT EVERY MAN IS BOUND TO MAKE USEFULNESS HIS RULE IN HIS PLANS AND PURSUITS. 1. He may have a legal right to go on and advance his own interest, however it may be to the detriment of another. He may trample on the poor man his neighbour, and avail himself of the defencelessness of the widow, and take advantage of the unskilful in trade, and obstruct the inexperience of youth. But all this, which the policy of the world may allow, the kind spirit of the gospel, yes, the eternal rule of equity condemns. So also of the character of his pursuits. He may have a legal right to enter upon any occupation which shall grant a livelihood, or make him rich, without regard to its injurious operation on others. But he has no moral right, no Christian right, to do it. It was not for this that was sent into the world. Both natural morality and Christian precept cry out against this prostitution of his power, and lay upon him their imperative injunction to pursue an occupation innocent at least, if he cannot make it absolutely beneficial. 2. We are not, however, to interpret this obligation of usefulness so straitly as to infer that no pursuit is allowable but such as promotes directly the welfare of other men or of society. It must be accounted sufficient that a man's calling be not injurious, or that it be indirectly useful to the whole by its benefit to those whom Scripture calls his own. 3. It is to be observed further, that in a civilised state of society there are many callings essential to the general comfort and refinement which cannot be, and ought not to be, dispensed with, which can yet in only a very secondary sense be denominated useful. Yet they are so indispensable to the highest advancement of human society that they are not to be proscribed by religion. All cannot be teachers, all cannot be magistrates, all cannot be philanthropists. "If the whole body were the head, where were the body." But they have their place, and in that place their office is serviceable. And, be it remembered, that the conscientious man may always make his occupation directly useful by devoting a portion of its gains to useful ends, and of its leisure to works of kindness and social good. Thus much concerning the general obligation of usefulness. II. LET ME NOW STATE SOME OF THE REASONS ON WHICH IT RESTS. 1. God has plainly intimated His will by the nature which He has given us. Our earliest feelings, it is true, are absorbed in ourselves. But we no sooner enter on the experience of society, and become capable of understanding the situation of others, than our hearts are drawn out toward them, and we instinctively desire that they also should enjoy. 2. God has further testified to us His will by the situation to which He has appointed us. It is a state of mutual and reciprocal dependance. 3. He has further enforced this obligation by His own example. What has He made, what has He done, except for some useful end? In all the expenditures of His universe, what has been expended except to do good? 4. The obligation is also laid upon us by the example of Jesus Christ. His life was devoted, consecrated, to useful labours. No matter for Himself; no matter for His own convenience, comfort or rest. (H. Ware.) Parallel Verses KJV: All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. |
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