Everything is Permissible—But Not Everything is Beneficial and Constructive!

With the assistance of modern medical technology, Nadya Suleman, became the mother of octuplets. As I watched the news I couldn’t help but think about Apostle Paul’s instructions to the church at Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 he writes, "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. 24Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.”

Possessing the ability, technology or liberty to do something does not mean we should do it. Is it wise for a single mother with six children to have eight more children all at once? Should the fertility specialist have provided in vitro fertilization for this many children? Will the children suffer because of inadequate care and provision? Most people, if not everyone, would not agree with the decision of Nadya and the fertility specialist.

Don’t get me wrong. I am a proponent of big families. In fact, America is in danger of not populating itself sufficiently if families don’t start to have more children. I just think it is crazy to raise six young children and octuplets all at once, especially as a single mother
.
Yes, everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. When making decisions, I have found that there are two keys questions we should ask ourselves.

First, we should ask, “Does what I am about to do bring glory and honor to God?”

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

In a culture that engaged in idol feasts, Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian saints that even eating and drinking should be done to the glory of God. They were taught to be aware of the people they were eating with, what they were eating, and why they were eating the meal. If their food consumption did not bring glory to God, they were instructed to refrain from the meal. Everything we do should bring glory to God.

Second, we should ask, “Does what I am about to do benefit others?”

1 Corinthians 10:32-33 says, “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—(33) 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.”

Apostle Paul made it a priority to live in such a way that others would never question the reality of his faith in God. It was more important for him to sacrifice or not participate in something if there was any question that activity would cause another person to stumble. In fact, by seeking the good of others, people in our sphere of influence should end up believing in Christ because of our lifestyle.

Everything is permissible—but not everything is constructive. Whether it is taking advantage of modern medical technology, eating, drinking, or any other activity, we should make sure our actions honor God and benefit others.

Do you ask these two questions before you make a decision?