Is It Beneficial
The sun and I seemed to be climbing at about the same pace. As I reached my destination above the Dall sheep it was just getting light enough to see. The sky was clear, but a low fog was whisping in and out at my elevation. I wondered where my partners were. I hadn't heard a shot yet. As I crested a final small knob, I saw one of them standing in the fog 50 feet from me. He was facing away from me and didn't hear me coming. I was just a few feet away when he turned around, and to my shock, it wasn't one of my partners.
The guys who camped 3 miles on the other side of me had snuck past my tent and walked all night to beat me to these sheep. More than that, they had scared the sheep off this face. I was utterly disgusted. While not illegal, this guy's behavior was certainly unethical. Of course, many things that are legal are not helpful. There are far more new marijuana shops and liquor stores in Alaska than there are new churches. Smoking weed and drinking are legal, but that doesn't mean they positively impact our lives.
Those who are spiritually mature do not ask, "What is permissible?" but rather, "What is BENEFICIAL?" In other words, how does using alcohol make your life stronger? How does it make your family stronger? Yes, it's permissible, but is it beneficial? Don't misunderstand me, I have no desire to limit your freedom in Christ. I simply want to challenge you to consider your choices. Use your freedom with wisdom, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad
Written on February 5, 2026
Posted in Daily Devotions