1 Cor. 10: 23 "Everything is permissible-but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible-but not everything is constructive."
Paul is writing to the Corinthians and instructing them on what types of practices are permissible. He says that lots of things are permissible, but not everything is good for us. Paul was referring mainly to some of the dietary restrictions the Jews had before Christ. His contention now is that we are under a new covenant and things we once needed to abstain from are now permissible. Yet, that doesn't mean everything is good for us.
I have a certain amount of freedom in Christ. I do not live under the law nor am I a legalist. I do not believe that tattoos or drinking or even smoking are sins. However, these things may not be good for me. So every day I must make a decision on what is right and good and true and I must have faith in Christ to help me with these decisions. Living in grace requires much more faith than living under the law. Under the law you could just read what is right and what is wrong-not much thinking or faith required. Now we must wrestle with decisons and place our faith in Christ and believe he will honor our choices.
Dear Jesus, help me to choose what is right and good and contructive. Amen.
