“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. ” – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

“You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.” – 1 Corinthians 6:12

I’ve been thinking lately about the power of the permissible. What do I mean? How things that are “okay” or even “legal” can become stumbling blocks to us walking in God’s best for our lives and for His Kingdom’s renown.

Twice in his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul talks about this concept of the “lawful” or “permissible” – the word literally means “to be lawful or allowed.”

Growing up in a Christian home, my parents made it clear that there were definitely things that were not allowed or permissible in our home. Foul language, lying, disrespect of elders – these are just a few of the “very clear” NON-permissible activities in our home. There were, however, things that were “allowed.” Watching up to one hour of television per day was allowed. Going to the mall with friends and spending whatever money I had earned at my little summer job on cheap earrings was allowed. Staying up all night on the weekend with my girlfriends at a slumber party was allowed. It doesn’t mean, however, that my choice to do those things would be good for me or result in my spiritual growth or maturation as a young woman.

My parents knew that they had to give me some freedoms the older that I became – freedom to choose what I would do with my money, my time, my focus and attention. For true growth only happens when there is (just that) – room to grow. Probably the most obvious example of a young person’s freedom is when they are given the car keys for the first time. A certain maturity level must be evident for the parents to make the decision. They also must have passed their driving test which evidenced that they are fit for the road. A parent can lecture and lecture a child over and over about what the “car rules” are and how they are to behave while operating the car. But once the young person turns on the engine and pulls out of the driveway, it is in their hands – choices that they make will no doubt affect them and those around them on the road.

As believers, there are some things that are clearly evident as being “NOT ALLOWED” by our Abba Father. If you are wondering if there is a list, start with the Ten Commandments 🙂 You shall have No Other Gods before Me. No Adultery. No Coveting. No taking His Name in Vain. And the list continues.

There are other things that are, well, not so cut and dry – take these examples:

whether I choose to rent and watch certain movies that aren’t obviously sinful

whether I choose to buy shoes or clothes me or my kids don’t really “need”

whether I choose to take a nap in the afternoon instead of doing something more “productive”

whether I choose to give 10% of my income to the Lord or 50% of my income

In meditating on these passages and chewing on how I should apply them to my life, a few things come to mind:

1. We are called to freedom – Galatians 5:1 – this means that we should make choices out of a place of freedom, not fear or slavery to legalistic rules that aren’t even biblical.

2. We aren’t called to use our freedom as “an opportunity for the flesh” – Galatians 5:13 – but through love we ought to serve others with the freedom Christ has given us.

3. While “all things are lawful” not all things build up – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 – therefore, if I am being presented with an opportunity to do something that is likely NOT to build me or others up in their walk with Christ, it is best to avoid it altogether.

4. While I am “allowed” to do anything, not everything is good for me and I should never become a slave to anything – 1 Corinthians 6:12 – When I have the choice to do something or not do something that may very well cause my ruin (or someone else’s) or has the capacity to lead to my enslavement to that very thing, I ought to say a very clear “NO” to that offer.

5. I should consider how others will be impacted by my decisions (Galatians 5:13, 1 Corinthians 10:23-24) – I may very well have a clear conscience about eating that very large piece of carrot cake. But if I am with a friend who is clearly trying to exhibit self control in order to achieve a healthy life goal, it would be an act of love towards her to not scarf a huge piece of cake in her presence 🙂

How about you? Have you thought of how things that are “allowed” can rob you from what is best? Have you felt at times that your choices led to another’s growth or downturn? What can you do today to make choices that build others up, help you grow closer to God, and keep you entangled from the world? I would love to hear your thoughts!