If you are like me, you get presented with some wonderful opportunities frequently. My difficulty is saying no. If it is enticing, I want to do it, and I don’t think about whether it is the best thing for my family or me. God has to pluck me out of wrong situations from time to time. While it may have been a good idea, not everything is beneficial.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.”
How Far is Too Far?
Paul addresses a hotly debated issue. Is it okay to drink and act as the pagans of the world? The Corinthians seemed to think it was okay to go to the pagan temples and participate in their ceremonies. They claimed they were mature enough in their faith not to be drawn in. Paul answers that by saying it may be permissible, but not everything is beneficial. The debate still rages today as believers are lured to have a good time with their friends, and they don’t want to feel guilty about doing it.
Slippery Slope
The fear of missing out on a good time drives many people down the wrong path. People start by saying it’s okay to go and have a drink with coworkers after work to spiraling downward to the point they can’t wait to get home and drown their sorrows in the bottle. Everyone says it won’t happen to them, but before they know it, they are headed down the slippery slope that is difficult to climb out of. Not everything permissible is beneficial.
Not Everything is Beneficial
Before you do something questionable, don’t ask yourself if it okay, but if it is beneficial. Is this a good thing for you or will it be a distraction that could lead you away from what God wants for your life? The saying goes, “Good is the enemy of the best.” You can say yes to something that is not what God desires for your life. He could have what is best for us just down the road and He is waiting till a few things fall into place before He bestows it upon you. If you’re not sure take some time in prayer and searching scripture to see what the Holy Spirit reveals to you.