Voluntary Slavery

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Paul’s “all things” are not all-inclusive, but means all, within bounds. For example, it is still not lawful to have your brother’s wife. All vices are unlawful, but what about virtuous things?

It is well to remember, things that are not expedient or profitable are not necessarily necessary. If indulgence in a good thing becomes injurious to ourselves or others, we are to abandon it. If what we allow destroys our freedom of thought, peace of mind, and general happiness, it should be laid aside.

It is possible to become a voluntary slave. We can do this by creating our own craving for something. And, ultimately, this brings us under the power of what is considered legitimate, thus we become slaves to it, and it becomes our master.

You’re either master, or mastered.