Month: May 2021

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:24 Back when I was 35 years old, I lived out a dream of playing football one last time. A local amateur team came to town and I joined up. The first few games I rode the bench quite a…
Read more

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 1 Corinthians 10:23 When I was a teenager, I was at a local gas station when I witnessed a member of our church smoking. I was shocked. I’d thought he was a Christian, but after…
Read more

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. 1 Corinthians 10:21 My youngest graduated last night, which was, of course, both happy and sad. We’re thankful looking back and hopeful looking forward towards her future. We’re also sorrowful that our time with her in our house is ending. She too…
Read more

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 When I first considered that my addiction…
Read more

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12 I have a fuzzy childhood memory of trying to swing from a jump rope hung from the playground monkey bars. I’d seen Tarzan do it in a cartoon and I thought I’d recreate the scene at recess. I didn’t…
Read more

I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 I’m occasionally challenged by other Christians who worry that I’ve bought into the secular worldview of “Once an addict, always an addict”. Those who question me, know that the Bible says we’re new…
Read more

I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 Twenty-five years ago, while in medical school, I considered a few different career options: Family Practice, Emergency…
Read more

For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16 I have a good friend who is a pastor, and before he moved away, we spent a lot of time discussing faith and…
Read more

But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 When I meet an alcoholic or addict who’s relapsed, ending up back in jail or treatment, I usually ask how it happened. Often, the story involves the addict spending time with using friends who…
Read more

For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist . . . 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 In my addiction I followed the drug above all, spending…
Read more