“Everything is permissible–but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible”–but not everything is constructive.”
I Corinthians 10:23
Many things in my life are neutral within the “right or wrong” category, but are not necessarily beneficial.
In the middle of these choices of permissible busyness, I cry out “how do I fit in the most beneficial thing?”
Sometimes there are seasons when choices seem to be made for us as we move constantly to keep up with life circumstances such as illness, death, family difficulties.
But most often, the truth is…
If I have time to read a book or watch TV, I have time to read my Bible.
If I have time for coffee with a friend, I have time for coffee with Jesus.
If I have time for hobbies, I have time for stillness with God.
If I have time to listen to podcasts, radio shows and the like, I have time to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
In moments of mindless chores and activities (dish washing, cleaning sinks and toilets, folding towels, vacuuming, exercise, showers) I have time to pray.
I have to decide. What do I want to go big on? The permissible? Or the beneficial? There is a trade off because I can’t do it all.
I struggle because my flesh likes to take the easy road. Overindulging in the permissible before I plug into the lifeline of the beneficial-time with God.
It’s not an abundant life if I have all these (permissible)
Each day I have a choice. And each day you have a choice. Which will you choose? The permissible or the beneficial? What do you struggle with letting go to have time with God?
