Bulletin

Understanding Expediency
Jackie Stearsman

There are many actions in life that require expedient judgments. When we make proper judgments, blessings follow. When we do not make proper judgments disaster may follow. Consider with me the following passages that cast light upon the serious nature of expedient judgments.

Decisions about Right and Wrong must Precede
Expedient Decisions

Read carefully the words of the Apostle Paul. "All things are lawful for me; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me; but I will not be brought under the power of any" (1 Cor. 6:12 ASV) "All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify" (1 Cor. 10:23). "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal" (1 Cor. 12:7).

It is possible for a person to try and unjustly bind their judgment on others. We should consider expedient judgments in the light of what will profit everyone involved, and make decisions that will edify–build up–the individual and congregation.

We must Consider Consequence of Judgments

Motivation for decision making may be flawed. "But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not" (Jn. 11:49-50).

We may lead others into sin by our poor decisions."But whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea" (Mt. 18:6). The Apostles understood all too well the significance of some decisions. "The disciples say unto him, If the case of the man is so with his wife, it is not expedient to marry" (Mt. 19:10).

Sacrifices Are Required

"And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body go into hell" (Mt. 5:29-30).

Expedient Judgments May Not Be Understood by Some

Did the Apostles understand the necessity of Jesus departure? "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you" (Jn. 16:7). Likewise, children may not understand expedient decisions made be a loving parent. "For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness" (Heb. 12:10).

Teaching Requires Expedient Judgments

When meeting with the elders at Ephesus, Paul affirms the following: "... I shrank not from declaring unto you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house" (Acts 20:20). Prayerful thoughts surely characterized Paul in making decisions as to what and when subjects would need to be addressed.

Expedient Judgments May Be Rejected or Accepted

When Paul was asked to give his judgment on permitting the honorable marriage, he expressed his judgment to be for the good of all. The marriage could be, but in his judgment, it wold be better if postponed due to the present distress all were experiencing (1 Cor. 7:26-28, 38). "And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. (1 Cor. 7:35).

Congregations Should Endeavor to Have Unity in
Expedient Judgments

The Hebrew writer admonished the brethren as follows: "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you" (Heb. 13:17).

Concluding Summary

Expediency has to do with that which is necessary to accomplish a given duty and/or requirement, but wisdom is required to more fully understanding the goal and/or consequences of a given attitude or action.