Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Domination

Scripture Verse that Caught my attention today: 1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

Observation: The phrase “all things are lawful for me” is in quotes—twice in this verse and also twice later in this book in 1 Corinthians 10:13. In each verse Paul adds the interpretation “but not all things are beneficial” and in each verse he also adds another wise interpretation which, the case of today’s reading is: “but I will not be dominated by anything.

Application:
What ‘dominates’ you? What thoughts dominate your mind? What habbits dominate your day? What drives dominate your actions? What experiences dominate your worldview? What principles dominate your understanding of the faith?

Paul, earlier in his life, was a domineering person. He endeavored to dominate anyone to tried to claim the name of Christ. He himself was dominated by a sense of self-righteousness which drove him to do dastardly things in the name of God. In this verse, however, he concludes that he will not allow himself to be dominated by anything.

It occurs to me that this is only partially true, and I believe Paul would quickly admit as much. Paul is now dominated by the love of God through Christ. This love has not sapped Paul’s drive but, instead, has redirected it in authentic service to the source of this great love and, in turn, to those (which is everybody) to whom this great love is also directed. So it’s not a question of if we are dominated but, rather, what/who dominates us.

So while it’s true that not all dominations are beneficial, there is also room for the possibility that some dominations are beneficial. Paul seems to know which are which. It would behoove us to discern such things as well.

Prayer:
Lord, each of us is dominated by something. Help us to choose the better part(s). In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: Joshua 9-11 and 1 Corinthians 6)

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