Follow the Spirit

 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”- 1 Cor. 10: 23-24

It seems in today’s culture we have taken a stance in life to do whatever we like as long as it isn’t hurting anybody else. To a certain extent I agree, but it can be argued that no matter what we do in life it has an effect on someone else, good or bad. The question that is going to be posed here is whether or not followers of Christ should hold on to this point of view? Should we feel like it is okay for us to participate in activities or do certain things in our life as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody else? I believe, based on the scripture above, Paul felt that our actions need to always be in check in order for people to see Christ through us and, ultimately, God’s glory to be known among His creation.

Recently, I was introduced to a song called Follow your Arrow. This song is based on the very premise suggested in the opening paragraph. Here is a sample of the lyrics:

Make lots of noise
And kiss lots of boys
Or kiss lots of girls
If that's something you're into
When the straight and narrow
Gets a little too straight
Roll up a joint, or don't
Just follow your arrow
Wherever it points, yeah
Follow your arrow
Wherever it points
Yeah

(courtesy of www.azlyrics.com)

These lyrics suggest living a life doing whatever you want if your arrow points you there. Paul was addressing this issue to the Church at Corinth. The people who had made the decision to accept the gospel of Christ were giving in to cultural norms. They were taking part in meals that consisted of sacrificed animals for idols. Although he was telling them to avoid these activities, he made sure to say do whatever you want as long as it doesn’t detract from the glory of God.

As followers of Christ we need to be aware of the image we portray. Should we do whatever we want as long as it doesn’t cause harm to anyone else? I would say no, but we can do the things that Jesus would do with His disciples. He ate with sinners, He healed on Sabbath days, (which means it might actually be alright to do something on a Sunday), He served those who were not supposed to be served, and much more. He never gave in to the culture, but went against it. He didn’t follow His own arrow, but His Father’s.

This is the arrow we need to follow. The Spirit guides our steps. If He leads you into a home of an alcoholic, do it, but it doesn’t mean you participate in getting drunk. If it leads you to serve the drug addicts, do it, but it does not mean you become a user of drugs. I knew people who took time to work with prostitutes to bring the good news of Jesus, but they did not partake in the acts. This is what it means to be able to do everything, but be aware of what is not beneficial.

When it comes to bringing glory to God and the Spirit leads me there, well, that’s an arrow I am willing and ready to follow.

Question: How would the church change if the followers of Christ followed the Spirit and not their own arrow? Have you been following your own arrow or do you seek to follow God’s arrow?