by Don Thomas
There’s a great scene in the movie Jurassic Park, where all of the main characters have arrived at the Island and seen the big dinosaurs, and they are all eating dinner with Mr. Hammond…and he asks what they think. The conversations erupt-some technical, some financial-and Mr. Hammond turns to Dr. Ian Malcolm (played by the enigmatic Jeff Goldblum) and says “Surely I can receive some encouraging words from YOU, Dr. Malcolm?!”
Goldblum’s character (all in black) sits quietly for a moment, takes a drink, and then calmly responds… “The lack of humility that is being displayed here, uh, staggers me. You & your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not that they COULD do this…they never stopped to think if they SHOULD!”
I have used that quote often…and in many situations. Dealing with conflict…looking at political issues…raising children. Often times, we CAN do things…just not sure if we SHOULD!
The Apostle Paul actually addressed the same thoughts…long before Jurassic Park was en vogue! In I Corinthians 10:23, he says, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.” (NKJV) What he means is …just because you CAN, doesn’t mean you should!
What Paul is discussing is the FREEDOM we have in Christ! He’s declaring the goodness of God’s Grace, and declaring that my actions can NOT separate me from the love of God! So we are FREE to do anything we want…but not all of those actions will encourage someone else, or even be helpful! Some people then (and some now) wanted Christ-followers to “look good” and “not look like the world”…and then they graded their “Christianity” on how they scored on those tests! Paul said that is a BLATANT misuse of grace! Just because we CAN…doesn’t mean we SHOULD!
I watch people on the news scream about their “Rights”…and I am so honored to live in the United States, where men and women fought vigorously to give me the FREEDOM to speak my mind. But just because I HAVE those freedoms, I don’t have to SPEAK MY MIND on every subject! I HAVE those rights…but along with rights, comes an amount of RESPECT. Just because I CAN shout my opinons, doesn’t mean it is helpful to those around. Yes, I CAN do things…but not all of those things EDIFY those around me. Just because we CAN…doesn’t mean we SHOULD!
As you go about your week, I pray that Jeff Goldblum’s words ring in your ear…and they are backed up by the words of Paul. MAKE SURE that your words are HELPFUL. Take time to see that the stances you are taking and the posts that you are putting on Facebook are EDIFYING to others. Be careful what you say… Just because we CAN…doesn’t mean we SHOULD!
Shalom Alachiem,
Don
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Service Times
Saturday Evenings:
6:30 p.m. – Contemporary Worship (acoustic) Kid Zone for the children
Sunday Mornings:
8:15 a.m. – Traditional Worship (classic hymns)
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship (Full Band) Kid Zone for the children
Church Location & Address:
1528 South Main Avenue, Portales, NM, 88130
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Sunday Morning Radio Broadcast
7 a.m. on 105.9 FM
Office Hours: Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Church Location & Address: 1528 South Main Avenue, Portales, NM, 88130 View Map
Telephone & Fax: Tel: (575) 356-6001 *Mondays we do not answer the phone between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. for staff meetings
Email: central@centralwired.org
http://www.centralwired.org/
