Autobahn

About three-fourths of the German autobahn road system has no blanket speed limit; and in those areas, the average speed is about 93 mph. While most European car manufacturers operate under a “gentleman’s agreement” to limit the top speeds of their cars to 155 mph, autobahn speeds of up to 186 mph are not unheard of.

Even if you could legally drive that fast, would you really want to? Just because things are possible doesn’t always mean they are advisable. There are plenty of lifestyle choices we are free to make that are permissible, but not healthy or safe. The apostle Paul made that point when writing about spiritual freedom—and when it’s best to practice self-restraint for our own good and the good of others. God places strict limits on some areas of life (see the Ten Commandments) and “wisdom” limits on other areas. The mature Christian is the one who chooses those things that are permissible and wise at the same time.

Limits, Law, Grace

1 Corinthians 10:23, Exodus 20:1-17

Turning Points

August 2007

Page 40