Restricted by Affections

"O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. ¹² You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections."

2 Corinthians 6:11-12

The apostle Paul had been instrumental in preaching the Gospel and instructing the church in Corinth.  He chose to support his own pastoral ministry by making tents so no one could accuse him of using the Gospel to enrich himself financially.  At times the choice to support himself backfired in one sense, for some viewed this tradesman as being without proper credentials to teach.  But Paul had authority from God and spoke the truth in love, even when it stung.  There were some in the Corinthian church who aligned themselves with other teachers to oppose Paul and claimed his attempts to deal with sin and promote unity was an overreach.  Like a teenage son or daughter eager to throw off the authority of parents they feel are too controlling, they resented Paul's involvement.

Paul responded to these murmurings and false accusations wisely.  He held forth a principle which is widely applicable to people in the church today.  He said, "You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections."  It is very easy to find fault with others, to blame others for our lack of satisfaction or status.  There are many people who desire to have a particular role in ministry - to be a pastor, worship, or study leader - and when this opportunity is not given they believe they are being held back from something they are called to and capable of.  Paul's leadership was solid and biblical, but some saw his involvement as meddlesome and controlling.  Paul asserted he was not restricting anyone, but the people were restricted by their own affections.

It is likely far easier to give Paul the benefit of the doubt than people we know personally.  It is possible to sin by scheming to manipulate or control others, but Paul's statement is instructive for all who feel they are being unfairly "restricted" by others:  to a degree we are being restricted by our own affections.  Consider this example:  a boy feels unfairly treated because his parents will not allow him to go to a party where there will be underage drinking.  He wants to be with his friends; he desires acceptance and seeks fun.  His parents have his good in mind, but he cannot see it because he is being kept from what he craves.  If he loved his parents and trusted them, he would be thankful they were looking out for his well-being instead of being resentful.  "You never let me have any fun!" he shouts.  His affections blind him to his parent's love and therefore remains restricted to his narrow, short-sighted view.  He is locked in a cage of bitterness for his trouble, and even when he physically leaves home he cannot escape it.

Godliness with contentment is great gain, and this is something as followers of Jesus we all must practically learn.  The purpose of this post is not to cast judgment on your feelings or situation, but to hold forth the everlasting truth of God's Word:  do you believe verse 12 has been or can be relevant to your life personally?  Is it possible you have not been restricted by God or others but instead have been restricted by your own affections?  No one likes to feel cramped and hemmed in, and it is natural for us to want to throw off restrictions and do as we like.  Yet at the same time the Bible is clear in whatever state we are to be content - whether married, unmarried, as a member of a "dysfunctional" family or church, regardless if the government is democratic or communistic, or if you have the role in church you desire.  Those Jesus has made free are free indeed, for where the Spirit of the LORD is there is freedom.  When we invite God to govern our affections and humble ourselves under His rule we discover true liberty.