They Can, You Can’t!
They Can, You Can’t!
The world is full of permissions. It lives by can. I can do what I want. I can say what I feel. I can chase what I desire. But the moment a person follows Jesus, something changes. Not just beliefs but boundaries. Not just destination but direction. The world hears can; the Christian hears cannot. And that difference is not weakness. It is allegiance.
The world curses without conscience. Words fly like sparks from a fire angry filthy careless. Television normalizes it. Radio profits from it. Comedy celebrates it. But Scripture says otherwise. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification” (Ephesians 4:29). They can use words to tear down. You cannot because your mouth now belongs to Christ. “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10). Your speech is no longer just expression; it is testimony.
The world consumes whatever feels good. Movies shows music filled with lust violence mockery of God and glorification of sin. It calls it harmless entertainment. But Scripture calls it something else. “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes” (Psalm 101:3). “Whatever things are true noble just pure meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). They can watch it and shrug. You cannot because what you look at shapes what you love.
The world drinks to relax to celebrate to forget. It laughs at drunkenness and calls it normal. But Scripture draws a line. “Do not be drunk with wine in which is dissipation” (Ephesians 5:18). “Woe to those who are mighty at drinking wine” (Isaiah 5:22). They can lose control. You cannot because you are called to sobriety clarity and self control.
The world treats the body as disposable. If it feels good now the cost later does not matter. But the Christian knows something the world forgets. “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit you are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). They can abuse the body. You cannot because what you belong to is holy.
The world tells you to climb accumulate and secure yourself. Bigger house better title more money more comfort. Jesus said something very different. “You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). They can live for success. You cannot because your treasure is not here.
The world sacrifices family integrity and faith on the altar of ambition. Work becomes identity. But Scripture warns “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul” (Mark 8:36). They can sell their conscience. You cannot because your soul is not for sale.
The world hates distinction. It wants sameness silence compliance. But Christians were never called to fit in. “Do not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). “You are a chosen generation that you may proclaim the praises of Him” (1 Peter 2:9). They can hide their beliefs. You cannot because light does not apologize for shining.
Because you were bought. Because you were called. Because you no longer belong to yourself. “If anyone desires to come after Me let him deny himself” (Luke 9:23). The world hears that and says that is too restrictive. The Christian hears it and says that is freedom.
They can. You can’t. Not because God wants to rob you but because He wants to redeem you. The world lives by permission. The Christian lives by purpose. And when the world asks why do not you do what we do the answer is simple. Because I follow Jesus and He deserves more than leftovers.