1 Corinthians 10:23-33
"Everything is permissible"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."... So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God- even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Verse 23 says, "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial." When we think about doing something, we need to consider whether this thing has real benefits. We should not only consider the outward or tangible benefits it brings, but also the spiritual benefits to our lives. When what we do does not have any real benefit, we should really consider putting a stop to it. An example is smoking. Smoking does not bring any benefits to the smoker's body, and does not benefit the health of others. These are factors we need to consider as we live our lives.
The second factor is "Everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive." In whatever we do, we need to have a heart that wants to edify others. What is edifying? It is to help others to know God more, drawing them closer to God, or causing more growth in the Spirit. The things that we do, or words that we speak should help others - lift up the weak and help those who have stumbled to stand up again. We need to strengthen the brothers and sisters around us by being constructive in all we do.
The third principle is that nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others, including the good of the church. As a Christian, we should not only think of ourselves; but we need to ask God to give us love, so that we may share his grace and mercy to the people around us. Let us not only focus on our own benefits, but also consider the benefits to our neighbors, our community and our country. When we do that, the people around us will be able to see from us, the love and beauty of Christ.
Finally, whatever we do, do it all for the glory of God. No matter what we do, the ultimate principle is whether or not we bring God glory. If what we do cannot glorify God, we better not do it. On the contrary, if it can glorify God, we need to be willing to surrender ourselves to God and let His will be, accomplished through us. I believe that when we act in accordance with these four principles, the grace of God will be with us.
Lord, we thank you for giving us these principles to live by. May the Lord give us courage to act in accordance with your will, and may your grace fall upon us once again. We thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!
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