All things are lawful for me, but not all
things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
I Corinthians 10:23 NKJV
This scripture illustrates that individuals have
the freedom to make choices, but these choices come with consequences. The fact
that something is permissible does not mean it is helpful or edifying for a
person’s physical or mental well-being.
For instance, consider a person who has the
liberty to engage in various activities, such as excessive use of social media,
prolonged TV watching, or a diet of unhealthy foods. While these actions are
technically permitted, they may not be constructive or conducive to personal
growth. In this context, the scripture reminds us to weigh the consequences of
our choices and whether they contribute to our betterment or serve a higher
purpose.
Here are a few everyday scenarios where the principle
from 1 Corinthians 10:23 can be applied:
1. Social media posts: You all have the right to any of the social
media platforms and the freedom to say what you want. While it may be legal to
express your opinions or share certain content on social media, consider if the
posts are helpful or edifying. Will they contribute to a constructive dialogue
or potentially cause division and offence?
2. Lifestyle Choices: Everyday decisions like the way you dress,
speak, or conduct yourself may be lawful, but they can also send messages to
those around you.
Your choice of clothing and appearance may be
within your legal rights, but it's also important to consider if the outfit or
style is appropriate for a believer.
In your daily life, the way you speak and communicate with others can have a profound impact. While there is freedom to express yourself, First, you need to consider whether your words are edifying, promising, understanding, and respecting the feelings and perspectives of others.
Thoughtful communication can lead to stronger relationships and also
create a positive environment.
This feeling also extends to your choice of
hobbies and interests. While it may be lawful to pursue certain activities, you
also need to consider if they align with your values and God's standards and
whether they contribute to your personal growth and well-being, as well as if
they also edify or are helpful to those around you.
3.
Charitable
Actions: Genuine and selfless
charitable giving should indeed come from a place of sincere compassion and a
desire to help those in need, rather than from a motivation to prove a point or
show off.
Giving to make a positive impact on the lives of
others without self-recognition or personal gain exemplifies the essence of
selfless giving, which the scriptures encourage as well. The scripture says,
"It's better to give than to receive,” and that "God loves a cheerful
giver.” Genuine and selfless giving is what God commands.
4.
Choosing
Entertainment: It may be within
your rights to watch or listen to various forms of entertainment, but is it
helpful or edifying?
Imagine someone who is a believer watching
pornography. Although it's within his or her right to watch, such a person
might have attained some degree of self-control. The question still remains: is
it edifying?
You need to consider whether the content you
develop aligns with God's values and whether it promotes a positive influence
in your life. The Bible admonishes us to flee from the appearance of evil. That
means that a thing is lawful if it is not helpful or edifying, and we should do
what the Bible says.
In conclusion, in all these examples, the
principles of 1 Corinthians 10:23 urge individuals to go beyond what is legally
allowed and think about the impact of their choices on their well-being and the
well-being of those they interact with daily.
These principles encourage a thoughtful and
considerate approach to actions, emphasizing that choices should not only
adhere to the law but also be beneficial, constructive, and respectful to the
well-being and comfort of those around us.
© Oluwadamilola Ajayi
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