Do I Have The Right To Do Anything?
BRD REFLECTION 2026
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 and Psalm 15 (NIV)
(Alvin Chia, Lay Leader)
READ:
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 and Psalm 15 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The two passages are saliently contrasting. 1 Corinthians 6 warns against sexual immorality, highlighting that our body is the temple of God and should be honoured. We were bought with a price, which is the sacrifice of Christ. Psalm 15 paints the picture of one whose walk is blameless and who does what is right. His acts of godly behaviour include speaking the truth from the heart, refraining from slandering, doing no wrong to a neighbour, casting no slur on others, honouring those who fear the Lord, despising a vile person, keeping an oath even when it hurts, lending money to the poor without interest, and refusing to accept a bribe against the innocent.
APPLY:
Two key messages stood out to me in the assigned passages. The first is the reminder that, while I may think I have the right to do as I like, I need to be careful of the consequences. Scripture in 1 Corinthians 6:12 reminds me that not everything is beneficial and that I must not be mastered by anything. There is much truth and wisdom in this teaching, as my human tendency is to reason and rationalise to myself that there is nothing wrong with certain things that I do. I recall that, as a young believer in the army, I picked up ill behaviours like lying, playing mahjong through the night in camp, gambling, etc. It was easy to justify my actions, but in honesty, I was clearly mastered by these behaviours, which controlled my life. Even with supposedly healthy activities like playing tennis or soccer, I have to be careful that I am not mastered by them and allow them to take priority over spending time with family and God.
The second message in my reflection is about my personal walk with God. Am I living a blameless and honourable life as depicted in Psalm 15? To be honest, I am far from it. I pray that I will learn to be more disciplined and develop the purity of heart to mimic the godly behaviours in Psalm 15.
DO:
I will be mindful of my actions, striving to do what is beneficial and not be mastered by anything that can usurp the place of God in my life. I must also be careful not to cause others to stumble, even if it is within my right to do so. I need to surrender my rights if it is for the greater good of others.
I will strive to live a holy and godly life that will please God.
PRAY:
Father God, I thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for the reminder to look to You to live a sacrificial life. You gave up Your right and came down to earth to give Your life for my redemption and salvation. May I grow in my desire to love You more and to obey You fully in my life. Give me strength to live a godly life that will please and honour You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
