Freedom Comes Within Constraints
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1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-33
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”
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Micromotives & Macrobehavior
People are willing to pay good money for front row seats at a concert hall, theater, or sporting arena. Students also pay good money to attend college. Yet when it comes to lecture halls, students do just the opposite: they congregate instead around the back.
Why? At a lecture hall, it might be that people want to sit as near as possible to the lecturer SO LONG AS they are not in front of everyone else, perhaps in fear that they might be called upon to answer a difficult question. THIS “SO LONG AS” BEHAVIOR IS CALLED A “CONSTRAINT.”
This example exhibits a complicated dynamic. Complex phenomena can emerge from interactions such as group seating in a lecture hall because the preferences and actions of one person depend on the preferences and actions of others, and vice versa.
Some time ago, I read a book by Thomas Schelling entitled MICROMOTIVES AND MACROBEHAVIOR, which is all about phenomena like this. Schelling set out to understand “purposive yet contingent behaviors” we observe in society.
Microinteractions and macrobehaviors show up everywhere. At an engagement party, for instance, the respectives families of the bride and groom, who are meeting for the first time, might self-organize themselves into two groups at either end.
This may seem rude at first, but each member is simply applying a behavioral rule along the lines of ‘stay close to someone you know well.’ This leads in turn to separate herding. This may continue until the couple forces their respective families to mingle (awkwardly, for sure).
Indeed, as Schelling points out, unplanned sorting and mixing occur on even greater scales because people are “separated and integrated” by language, culture, status, politics, religion, demography, hobbies, history, profession, and many more dimensions.
One example that’s especially interesting to me now: Schelling points to the sorting that takes place in some churches. If people prefer, for example, to attend a church that has more members that share in their culture or ethnicity, then segregation may take place over time.
If this church is a place for sharing job vacancies, rooms for rent, community events, and related opportunities, then the segregation will extend into other domains. So it is perhaps not surprising to find a degree of homogeneity among communities, occupations and zip codes.
To understand the dynamics, Schelling says it helps to look for simple but persistent constraints in behavior. Constraints and mechanisms in these problems, Schelling notes, may contain “unraveling” processes and “chain reactions.”
For example, if there are talented and lazy employees in a firm, and the talented workers want to work with other talented workers, then resignations from the talented camp may spur other talented workers to quit. This process might continue until only lazy people are left in the firm.
This dilemma isn’t really all that troubling until we consider that BY DEFINITION, NOT EVERYONE CAN BE AMONG THE BEST OR MOST SUCCESSFUL. SOCIETY IS DOOMED TO A LOT OF UNHAPPINESS IF EVERYBODY WISHES TO BE “BETTER” THAN THE MAJORITY.
As Schelling notes, “the consequences are aggregate but the decisions are exceedingly individual.” The networks of information, communication, community, and so on, are deeply intertwined. They influence the course of industry and politics without our full realization.
SO HOW DOES THIS WORK IN THE CONTEXT OF OUR LIFE AS A PEOPLE OF FAITH? AM I ONLY TRYING TO MAKE A POINT ABOUT WHERE WE SIT WHEN WE COME TO CHURCH, OR SOMETHING ELSE?
CONSIDER AGAIN THE EXAMPLE OF TALENTED AND LAZY PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER. IF THE TALENTED PEOPLE LEAVE, THIS WILL START AN INEVITABLE CHAIN-REACTION THAT WILL LEAVE ONLY LAZY PEOPLE WORKING AT THE FIRM.
IF, HOWEVER, THE TALENTED PEOPLE AIM TO ELEVATE THE OTHERS THROUGH EDUCATION, TRAINING, PAYMENT INCENTIVES, AND SO FORTH, EVERYONE IS MORE HAPPY, AND THE FIRM DOESN’T ENTER INTO SUCH A DEATH SPIRAL.
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Are We a Museum or a Hospital?
As believers, we are warned to discern good from evil, but not to judge people. Learning the difference, however, takes time and practice. In general, our judgments tend to be superficial and biased, based on what we can see.
Even a small child can judge and condemn someone. True discernment sees beyond the superficial, and relies on the sort of empathy and wisdom of Jesus. We are called to grow in discernment in order to mature as a believer.
Hebrews 5:14 “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
No human being has the right to judge another human being. We are all sinful in one way or another. Only God, who is perfect and who set the Law of righteousness, can judge any one of us. How can imperfect people judge other imperfect people?
James 4:12 “God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?”
Romans 2:1 “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.”
We live in an age where everyone proclaims their right to their personal opinion and free speech. This may apply to the world but as followers of Jesus, we are told we are “not of this world.” John 17:16 “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”
We are called to be self-controlled and focus on whatever is constructive and beneficial to others. Self-censorship may be seen as weak and undesirable by this world, but it is a very necessary part of us renouncing “ungodliness and worldly passions.”
Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
Few people would admit to being judgmental. But from the examples Thomas Schelling points out, we all have our micro-stereotypes. Yet God is impartial to our stereotypes; He judges us only on whether we follow God’s Will or follow Self-Will.
Romans 2:11 “For God shows no partiality.” Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” We are all the same in Christ.
WHY DO WE EXIST, AS A CHURCH? IS IT TO SERVE OURSELVES? ARE WE A MUSEUM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, WHERE WE CAN GATHER AND MARVEL AT HOW PERFECT WE ARE? WHERE WE CAN THANK GOD THAT WE’RE BETTER THAN PEOPLE WHO DON’T ATTEND?
OR ARE WE A HOSPITAL FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING? ARE WE A PLACE TO ELEVATE ONE ANOTHER, SO THAT WE AS A CHURCH IN TURN CAN SERVE AND ELEVATE OUR COMMUNITY?
APPLY THE EXAMPLE OF “TALENTED” AND “LAZY” WORKERS HERE TO CHURCH. ARE ANY OF US ALWAYS SAINTS? ARE ANY OF US ALWAYS SINNERS? HOUR TO HOUR, DAY TO DAY, WEEK TO WEEK, EACH OF US IS BOTH.
WE ARE HERE TO SPREAD THE GRACE OF GOD, BECAUSE WE HAVE ACCEPTED THE LOVE OF CHRIST INTO OUR HEARTS. WE HAVE ENOUGH TO SHARE. BOTH HERE ON SUNDAY, AND AS WITNESS IN EACH OF OUR DAILY LIVES.
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Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement
Judgments begin silently in our hearts. They do not need to be spoken out loud or acted upon. God sees our hidden judgmental attitudes and weighs our hearts. Proverbs 21:2 “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
We may not even notice when we have become judgmental. Here are a few typical hidden judgmental biases: Do we instinctively avoid certain types of people? Do we quietly scoff at people we consider foolish or unrefined? Do we roll our eyes at some types of behavior?
How about this one: HAVE WE AGREED WITH POSTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA THAT INVOLVE NEGATIVE VIEWS OF CERTAIN PEOPLE? HAVE WE IMPLICITLY CONDEMNED ALL REPUBLICANS? ALL DEMOCRATS? ALL ISRAELIS? ALL PALESTINIANS?
There are many reasons why we judge others in our hearts. Perhaps we have been hurt or offended by someone and have legitimate grievances against them. Legitimacy, however, does not equate to authority. One way or another, anyone we judge we fail to see as God sees.
Only God, who created all people, has the right to judge His own creation. As sinful people, we do not have the authority to judge God’s creations – no matter how flawed they may be. When we judge other people, we place ourselves above God.
Romans 3:23 “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 14:10 “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
TO ME, THERE SEEM TO BE SEVERAL REASONS WE JUDGE PEOPLE. AND THE BIBLE HAS SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT EACH ONE OF THESE REASONS. I FOUND IT HELPFUL IN MY OWN LIFE TO CONSIDER THESE, SO I’LL SHARE THEM HERE AS WELL.
The most obvious example is LOW SELF-ESTEEM. We put others down in an effort to elevate or feel better about ourselves. Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
A close cousin to low self-esteem is DEFLECTION. We justify our own sinful behavior by identifying those who are “worse” than us. Luke 6:37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Or how about BITTERNESS? We project our disappointments, pain, and bitterness onto others and judge them. Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.”
Or maybe our judgment comes from a group: PEER PRESSURE. We want to be accepted and fit in with others. We fear people more than we fear God. Proverbs 29:25 “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.”
IN MY LIFE, THE MOST PROMINENT REASON I’VE HAD FOR JUDGING OTHERS IS A COMBINATION OF ALL THE ABOVE: SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. We think we are “better” than other people. We judge ourselves very harshly and therefore judge others too.
1 Corinthians 4:3-5 “As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide…
…so don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.”
Whatever our motivations may be, a judgmental spirit is one we must renounce. When we judge others, we bring God’s judgment upon ourselves. The more harshly we judge other people, the more harshly God will judge us in return. Is it worth it?
James 2:12-13 “So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGEMENT.
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, WE ARE CALLED TO HELP EACH OTHER ALONG THE PATHS OF OUR LIVES WALKING AWAY FROM SELF-WILL AND TOWARDS THE LOVE AND UNITY OF A LIFE SPENT TRYING TO LIVE IN GOD’S WILL.
WE ARE ALL PILGRIMS, TREKKING A VERY LONG DISTANCE TOGETHER. SOME OF US WILL FALL ILL ALONG THE WAY. SOME OF US WILL REMAIN STRONG. BUT NONE OF US, BY DEFINITION, IS AT THE DESTINATION BEFORE WE START OFF TOGETHER.
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Wonder, Humility, Service
WHAT IF, INSTEAD OF JUDGMENT, WE LOOKED AT EACH OTHER WITH A SENSE OF WONDER AT WHAT GOD HAS MADE? WHAT IF REMINDED OURSELVES MORE OFTEN OF THE GOOD OTHER PEOPLE DO, INSTEAD OF THE BAD?
WONDER. The Bible presents a very simple yet very profound truth: we have an amazing, awe-inspiring God, who made for us an abundant creation, full of fish that multiply and wheat that makes more wheat (and air that we breathe and the sunshine, etc).
HUMILITY. When we open our eyes – like Jesus did the blind man – and see our world for the overflowing abundance that it is, we can’t help but see all the ways in which literally everything about our world and our lives is miraculous.
SERVICE. Once we see that everything around us is a gift from God to start with, and can see everyone else around us as likewise in a position of having been given the same gifts, we finally arrive at the compassionate service Jesus asks of us all through the Gospels.
John 13:14-15 “if I, your Lord, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example that you also should do as I have done to you.”
John 13:34-35 “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 15:12-14 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
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Clean House, Serve Others
We are called to to develop the ability to discern God’s Will, for example: Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Further, we are certainly called to discern if our ways please God or not. Proverbs 14:8 “The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.” Ephesians 5:10-11 “Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works.”
THE DISCERNMENT WE REQUIRE IS TO JUDGE OUR OWN HEARTS, FAITH, AND BEHAVIOR – NOT THE HEART, FAITH, OR BEHAVIOR OF OTHERS. WHY? BECAUSE WHAT OTHERS DO HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR OWN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
WHAT DO THE HEART, FAITH, OR BEHAVIOR OF OTHERS HAVE TO DO WITH YOUR OWN PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? NOTHING. BUT WHAT DOES YOUR REACTION TO WHAT OTHERS DO HAVE TO DO WITH YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? EVERYTHING.
This is precisely what today’s scripture reading is teaching us. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24: “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” OF COURSE WE ALL HAVE THE “RIGHT” TO JUDGE OTHERS. TO KEEP OTHERS OFF TO THE SIDE. TO SEGREGATE OURSELVES FROM OTHERS LIKE GUESTS AT A WEDDING PARTY.
BUT IS THAT “BENEFICIAL” AS PAUL ASKS US IN THE SCRIPTURE? IS IT “CONSTRUCTIVE?” WHAT WOULD IT MEAN FOR THE CHURCH IF WE ALL ACTED LIKE THAT? WE WOULD SINK, LIKE THE EXAMPLE OF TALENTED WORKERS SCHELLING GIVES.
1 Corinthians 10:33: “For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” I AM SEEKING THE GOOD OF MANY, SO THAT THEY MAY BE SAVED. AS A CHURCH, WE DO THIS BY “CALLING PEOPLE IN,” NOT “CALLING PEOPLE OUT.”
NONE OF US DESERVE THE GRACE OF GOD, AND YET HERE WE ALL ARE, WITH IT ABUNDANTLY IN OUR HEARTS. CAN’T WE AFFORD TO GIVE JUST A LITTLE BIT OF IT AWAY? TO SHARE IT WITH OTHERS?
