Translating 'Should' - Saturday November 27, 2010
All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
At the end of a heavy conversation, my friend shocked me by concluding, "Christianity just makes people feel guilty." Was this true? I had to admit that many sermons leave people with a guilty feeling. But why? Jesus didn't come to give guilt but to take away guilt! Why would hearing all the things Christians should do leave us burdened? My conclusion: it's easy to misunderstand should.
Should-one word, but often heard in two very different ways. One angle is guilt. (You should study more.) The other is benefit. (You should take a vacation in Hawaii!!)
God has declared me "perfect in Christ." I no longer live under guilt. This reality forced me to rethink my concept of should. There are many should's implied in New Testament teachings, such as: You should love God. Pray. Help the poor. Honor parents. Go to church. Serve your boss. Do these should's bring back guilt? Are we under law again?
No! Our loving Father forgave us through Jesus and knows what's best for life. All things are now lawful for us, but not all things are beneficial. Even though we are completely forgiven, sin still harms us and harms others. I don't want to continue doing destructive things. I want to go for benefit!
For the Christian, the should's in the Bible are about benefit. Not about guilt. When your preacher says should-translate "benefit is coming." Go for the gold! Not obligation, but opportunity. Not "have to," but "want to."
Rethink the word should. The benefit? It should lighten your load!
Submitted by:
Rita Bergen
Lee's Summit Community Church
Lee's Summit, Missouri
One-Year Reading Plan:
Daniel 4:1-37
2 Peter 1:1-21
Psalms 119:97-112
Proverbs 28:17-18
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