Devotion for March 2, 2016

Wednesday: So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:12-13; NIV).

            Notice the very important difference! We often say, “God won’t give you more than you can bear,” but the verse actually says, “God won’t let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” The point is not about suffering but about sinning, and a particular way of sinning at that. The Corinthians (at least one party who counted themselves as spiritually strong and really important) seemed to be suggesting that they had to be neck-deep in the pagan culture around them for business and social reasons. With that context, what Paul is telling them is that such neck-deep involvement is not necessary. A Christian doesn’t have to completely sell out to the culture around him. There are always options. Maybe the Corinthian Christians is thinking, “I have to be in the pagan temples for the sake of my business,” and Paul is rejoining, “Maybe you need to rethink your business…”

            Here’s an example: I heard a radio report several years ago about Atlanta’s peculiar culture. Evidently, in Atlanta there was a time when strip clubs were a usual and acceptable place for business meetings. (I don’t know if that’s still the case or how prevalent it ever was.) It seems obvious that a Christian shouldn’t be in those places. Paul would suggest that instead of just going along with such a practice, the Christian could proactively find a different place to meet.

            So, the verse in question isn’t about suffering at all. We’ll visit suffering tomorrow.