I just wanna do what I wanna do

When my daughter Anna was 3 or 4 one of her favorite phrases was, "I just wanna do what I wanna do."  She's 10 now and it's been quite awhile since I've heard her say that.  But it was at once hilarious and maddening to hear her say that. 

If you have kids, you know the situation.  They say or do something that absolutely cracks you up - you are laughing your butt off, but trying not to let them see you laughing your butt off.  And through the laugh, trying to put on your best stern face and offer correction or discipline.  Even though she hasn't said that in many years, she still lives like it sometimes.

Unfortunately, many adults live with that attitude.  For followers of Jesus Christ, there's a real tension in that way of thinking.  On one hand, we're recipients of grace and we know that we are no longer subject to some of the strict demands of the Old Testament law.  And we convince ourselves that some behaviors are OK some of the time, as long as nobody sees or finds out.  Because after all, we know that we can be forgiven.

On the other hand, what Jesus requires of us is to live above and beyond the law.  Grace brings incredible freedom, but not everything that we do is beneficial to us or to others, even though it may not explicitly be sinful.

The apostle Paul was addressing that in 1 Corinthians 10:14-35.  In v.v. 23& 24 he says, "You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others."

In these passages, Paul was addressing an issue specific to the Corinthians - whether or not they could eat food that had been sacrificed to idols and false gods, or food that had been previously forbidden under Old Testament dietary laws.  Thank God we're allowed to eat bacon now!!!

But his instruction here has broader application for all of us today.  Simply put, the question we should be asking ourselves is this: "Is there some pattern of behavior in my life, or some specific thing I do, that is not really sin, but in some way could cause an un-believer to stumble or be turned off to the message of the Gospel?"


Many pastors and Christians use these passages in reference to the use of alcohol among Christians.  Throughout Scripture, we find God's people using wine in everyday life and in celebrations and feasts that are in honor of God's goodness and faithfulness.  Alcohol is not forbidden, and its use in moderation can be godly and righteous.  But what message are you sending when you drink?

This was always a tough one for me when I was in youth ministry.  We'd often go to parties, dinners or gatherings where alcohol was being served and kids from my youth ministry were present.  I like beer.  I like wine.  And I drink both.  But there was a point somewhere along the line where I realized that consuming alcohol in front of kids was not good for my ministry.  Many of them struggled with the pressure to drink, and I reasoned that if they saw their youth pastor drinking, there must not be any harm in them drinking.  They didn't know if I was having my first beer or my tenth (by the way, I've never had 10 beers at once.). 

I am permitted to drink alcohol, but it is not always beneficial to others to see me drinking alcohol.  Not only kids, but adults I knew that struggled to handle alcohol responsibly and in a godly way. 

It's not just a matter of alcohol.  It's about our words.  It's about our attitudes.  It's about our work ethic.  It's about the way that we love and offer forgiveness.

In v.v. 31-33 Paul concludes by saying, "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God.  I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved."

That's some big picture thinking there.  You see, Paul knew that his purpose in life was first of all to bring glory to God in everything that he said and did, and secondly to do whatever he could to reach those far from God.  So Paul didn't put unnecessary demands on people to obey the law, but by the same token he used his freedom in Christ for the benefit of those that didn't know him.

So evaluate your public life.  What do the people in your life that don't know Jesus see when they look at you?  Are you causing them to stumble by burdening them with unrealistic expectations?  Are you causing them to stumble by participating in something that they struggle with?  Let's all "do what is best for others so that many may be saved."  And in that, we'll honor God and live for his glory.