Shalom Everyone~
1 Cor. 6:12 --All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expendient. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
*From this scripture we see that for some Christians, freedom and liberty justifies sin. Here, Paul insists that our Christian liberty and freedom is limited by two careful considerations: Is the practice expedient (helpful) and will it enslave?*
1 Cor. 10:23 --All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all edify.
*As Christians, our freedom and liberty should be motivated by the concerned welfare of other brothers/sisters and nonbelievers until we VOLUNTARILY restrict ourselves if our actions and behavior will cause spiritual growth in believers to be hindered or it causes nonbelievers to reject the gospel.*
In order to preserve time and length of this post, I give "Amens" and Kudos to AND piggyback off both Eclipse and Blackwatch. Yet, in desiring to post a short reply, I would like to answer iceandivy's question with a personal testimony if I may do so.
***Knees shaking as I stand at the Greekchat Altar***
First, giving Honor to God to whom all praises are due, Pastor, First Lady, Deacons, brothers, sisters in the Lord and visitors,...
I Love To Dance (yes, I can work the chickenhead...better known on the West Coast shores of the Bay Area as "the Cringy"). Dancing is something that is apart of my culture and my personality. As a matter of fact, I believe dancing was created in me even before I was placed in my mother's womb!
I LOVE TO DANCE!! However, dancing was the FIRST thing the Lord required me to give up when I rededicated my life to HIM fourteen years ago. Why? Just reread Blackwatch's commentary-4th paragraph...that was me he was writing about.
In the course of developing an intimate relationship with the Lord, one in which I listen to and obey his voice, leadings and promptings without putting up a sassy argument, (I was good for giving the Lord advice or suggestions) after yielding my body as a vessel for HIS use and glory for HIS kingdom, and after saying, "yes Lord", I found that I no longer desired to go to clubs. Clubs lost their appeal and dancing was no longer a prerequiresite for happiness nor joy. Why? Reread Blackwatch's commentary-5th paragraph this time AND Eclipse's commentary regarding Compromising My Witness To Nonbelievers...both comments are so me and describe what I went through.
2003-Although I no longer go to clubs, I do attend social functions in which secular music is played and yes, you will see Shalom08 out there on the floor with brotha-man dancing to music with lyrical content that agrees with what is appropriate for me and my walk with the Lord. Why? Because I, in the words of Blackwatch and soon to be my motto: "allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me as an autonomous moral agent".
Saints, as believers, each one of us is accountable for our walk here on this earth. Through Jesus, we've been set free from sin and death; therefore,we have the opportunity to enjoy our "earth walk". Our boundaries are not set up to be joy-killers, but are there to protect us so that the enemy who wants to kill, steal and destroy us will not be able to do so.
To those whom frequent clubs because the Lord and you have discussed it and you stand clean before HIM in that area---GO. To those whom the Lord says you can't entertain that area---DON'T. Ultimately, enjoy your relationship with the Lord and with others as so to hear, "WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT".
***Looking around at the Greekchat Pastor who is wishing I would hurry up and sit down so the congregation can be dismissed---***
Shalom~
Shalom08
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
Tau Upsilon Omega
Spr. 03
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