Bread for the JourneySample

What is Appropriate

There are things that are appropriate for us and others that are not. The ability to discern what is appropriate and what is not is invaluable. I think we would all like to possess it because it would help us avoid many mistakes and lead us through life with a better guarantee of success.

Of course, appropriateness isn't an issue that applies equally to everyone. There are things that might be appropriate for me but not for someone else. There are people for whom sunbathing is not appropriate because their skin type is very sensitive and it could do more harm than good. However, for others it can be very appropriate, and their health could benefit greatly from it.

But those appropriations or inappropriateness are not what I want to highlight in this reflection. Rather, I want to refer to those things that are included in the wise words of the apostle Paul. “I have the right to do anything,' you say—but not everything is beneficial. 'I have the right to do anything'—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12, NIV)

The ability to discern the things that we can do but that are not beneficial for us is something that only God's Holy Spirit can teach us. Unfortunately, many religious people have wanted to adopt that ministry of the Spirit and want to tell us what we can and cannot do. They are agents who believe they have the authority to determine what is or isn't appropriate for us. I want to make clear that I'm not talking about wise pastoral guidance motivated by love, for which we should be thankful and feel blessed. I'm talking about those whose tradition and religiosity are the central axes of their judgments, just as Jesus said: “They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” (Mark 7:7, NIV)

The appropriateness of our actions and our decisions must be based on what God has already expressed in His Word. It is in it that our discernment becomes sharper, agile, and skillful so that we can live in conformity with what is beneficial for us.

When Jesus told His disciples that it was better for Him to go, He was referring to the great benefit they would have from having the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in them. The Spirit in us is guidance, power, authority, teaching, fruit, gifts, and much more.

Discerning what is appropriate or not involves practice, which means there will be times when we don't act wisely. The good thing is that the Lord, who knows our limitations, helps us and equips us through the Spirit so that we may mature in Him. “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we urge you to do this more and more.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1, NIV)