All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.           (I Corinthians 10:23)

The above passage of scripture would do our nation well if only considered. However, we know that scripture has said about itself that it would never be desired or accepted by all.  If it were, we would not have so many examples of those that choose to react to things how they wish without the consideration of impacting the team, the family, the business, or the school.  This article is written in a time when some look to gain name recognition in their own chosen way, regardless of who it harms. (Yes, I am writing this in reference to a sports figure making way too many news headlines for what he sees as his personal right).

I don’t expect to find maturity in society, so I am not blown away when I see behaviors that can cause confusion and disharmony.  Scripture describes a time when people would be “lovers of themselves” (2 Timothy 3:2), meaning they seek their own desires above a greater good somewhere.  This is not how the apostles of Christ wrote and encouraged the church to act.  In the passage which began this article (I Cor. 10:23), Paul clearly reminds the Christian that the first consideration should never be “Is it allowed, scriptural, or acceptable?”, but rather be one that asks a different question like, “Does it build up the whole, create clarity, and bring encouragement to the group?”

If there were one consideration for this week that would truly save family, churches, and even societies, it could be this one.  Do you operate on whether is it “O.K.” to do personally, or whether it leads to greater things for others?