ADDICTIONS
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” Corinthians 6:12, NRSV).
Today’s text implies that many human behaviors are good in the right amount and within moral limits. But under certain circumstances, the same actions cease to when the person ends up losing control of her own life. Paul’s expression «I will not be dominated by anything» shows that even lawful and necessary things can enslave the human being. They are goods which are sources of blessing but can become a curse when used inappropriately.
We are speaking of reasonable things such as food, money, work, medicine, computer, sex or television. There are people who become «hooked» to any of these objects or behaviors to a point that they could not live a normal life whether at a family, social or work level. power of these activities is so strong that it controls and overpowers them. One or more of these products/behaviors can make the Christian become addicted and he will find it difficult to minimize them and they eventually take control over his life.
The apostle explains this text in the context of fornication. Paul is not against sexuality as in the next chapter he warns that «the husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband» (l Cor. 7:3, NRSV). But he does condemn fornication which means that he does not approve of having sexual relations with a person you are not married to. Maybe the apostle uses the words of today’s verse to let us know that sexuality transmits such a strong impulse that many end up dominated by it. Thus, his recommendation in order to avoid the control and dominance of passionate behaviors is union with Jesus. To draw an analogy, he abruptly tells us, «Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? . . . But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him» (I Cor. 6:16, 17).
You may find it difficult to have the control over a certain activity by letting it control you. Paul suggests that, in order to protect yourself from the undesirable dominance, you should join forces with Jesus and remain in Him. Cling to the promise of Isaiah 41:10 («Fear not, for I am with you’) and fill your mind with it, repeat it and reflect on its message.
Keep in mind, especially during temptation, that God Himself will strengthen you, He will help you and He will hold you with His righteous hand.
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Yudith C & Alejandra Zavala
