In what ways can 1 Corinthians 6:12 influence our daily decision-making? The Verse at a Glance “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12) Two Built-In Questions to Ask Ourselves • Is it beneficial? • Will it master me? What “Beneficial” Looks Like • Builds up my walk with Christ (1 Corinthians 10:23) • Strengthens others, not just myself (Romans 14:19) • Protects the purity of my body, the Spirit’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19–20) • Advances love, which fulfills the law (Galatians 5:13–14) Spotting Potential “Masters” • Habits that demand my time or money (Proverbs 6:9–11) • Desires that dull my sensitivity to God’s voice (Hebrews 12:1) • Media, entertainment, or relationships that pull me from devotion (James 4:4) • Any dependency that takes the place of prayer or Scripture (Psalm 119:105) Daily Decision-Making Grid 1. Freedom: Scripture allows it? If no, stop. 2. Benefit: Will it nourish soul, body, relationships? 3. Mastery: Could this grow into a controlling pattern? 4. Glory: Does it give God honor? (1 Corinthians 10:31) 5. Witness: Will it help or hinder someone’s faith? (Romans 14:20-21) Practical Snapshots • Food & Drink: Enjoy with gratitude, yet avoid excess that harms health or testimony. • Screen Time: Ask if the content edifies and if the hours spent control you. • Finances: Spending may be permissible, but is it the wisest stewardship for kingdom purposes? • Social Media Comments: You’re free to post, but will it build bridges or barriers? • Work Choices: Promotion might be allowed, yet will the added load suffocate family and church commitments? Cross-References That Reinforce the Principle • Galatians 5:1 – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free… do not be encumbered again by a yoke of slavery.” • 1 Peter 2:16 – “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil.” • Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Closing Encouragement Each choice becomes an opportunity to turn freedom into fruitful living. By filtering decisions through “beneficial” and “mastered by none,” we walk in liberty that honors Christ, protects us from bondage, and blesses everyone around us. |
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