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I Corinthians 10:23-24, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

Paul continues to write about freedoms.  Yes, we have the right to do everything but that doesn't mean we should do everything.  While we may have the right to do something, the biggest question to ask is, "Is this building up the body of Christ?"  Paul emphasizes that while legalism isn't good, neither is it good to be overly permissive.  There are times when we should curb our freedoms if it might harm a new Christian or hurt the witness of the Gospel.  The bottom line is we need to think about our words and actions in every situation. 

I've been in small Christian gatherings in which certain members feel the need to loudly communicate their dislikes about a specific Christian ministry, another Christian church, or even a fellow believer.  Now, thinking about Paul's reasoning, they have the freedom to do this but is it beneficial?  Is it building up the body of Christ?  What if there was someone in the group who was a new believer or on the fence about faith?  How would such a discussion affect their faith journey? 

Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should do it.

Let's pray...Dear Lord, We mess up so often!  Please forgive us for the times when we have misused our freedoms.  Help us to think about and be aware of building up the body of Christ rather than doing harm.  Lord, more of you, less of me.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.