Made For?

Paul makes a provocative statement in his first epistle to Corinth.

"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything. (1 Cor 6:12)

Really, Paul? "All things are lawful for me"? ("Sure," Paul answers, and repeats it in 1 Cor 10:23.) No, really ... in what sense are all things lawful? Well, first, most commentators understand him to be quoting the words or at least thoughts of those who have argued for a more "embracing" kind of morality. You know, "We're forgiven, so why not sin?" Clearly, for instance, Paul does not believe "all things are lawful for me" because he just got done saying that those who are unrighteous won't inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-10). Further, he goes on to address the problem of sexual immorality (1 Cor 6:15-16). So, no, he is not stating that all things are lawful. So, what is he saying here?

Paul is pointing to a bigger picture. We typically get caught up in the moral questions. "Is this right or wrong?" "How far can I go?" Paul is offering different questions. Is this helpful? Does this rule me? How many of us routinely ask those questions? I'd suggest it is precious few. Because "Is it helpful?" just doesn't seem to come naturally to us as humans. Because addiction is a common problem among Christians, whether it's the typical "drugs" or "alcohol" or "gambling" or "sex" kinds of things or perhaps the less obvious but very real "comfort" and "self-centeredness" and the like that we all seem to indulge.

After asking those questions, he makes a purpose statement. "The body," he says, "is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body." (1 Cor 6:13) Well, sure, the body is not made for sexual immorality. We knew that. Well, we claim to know that. Sometimes our lives don't reflect it. Sometimes our secret sins say otherwise. But, in principle, we know that, even if not always in practice. (Back to that "helpful" and "dominated" stuff.) We will at least agree that the body is not meant for sexual immorality. But did you know that the body is meant for the Lord? Did you know that your body is not your own??

Paul says, "You were bought with a price." (1 Cor 6:20). Paul is merely echoing the broader narrative of Scripture. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein." (Psa 24:1). "The world and its fullness are Mine." (Psa 50:12). "Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth ..." (Deut 8:17-18). A sampling. God made everything, so it stands to reason that God owns everything. Thus everything was made for the Lord. Everything.

Somehow, it seems, we miss that. We think that this little corner of creation belongs to me. "My body, my choice." We think that how we dress and what we eat and what we do with our lives is our affair. Sexual immorality? Of course! At least, for far too many of us, including us Christians. The body, according to Scripture, was made for a purpose. That purpose is not "my satisfaction." That purpose is to glorify God (1 Cor 6:20). And God is concerned about that (1 Cor 6:13). Are we? Your body was made for the Lord. Are you fulfilling your purpose?