What other scriptures support the principle of seeking what is beneficial? The Core Verse in View “ ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is edifying.” (1 Corinthians 10:23) This single line invites believers to run every choice through a simple filter: Will it truly help? Scripture echoes that filter from Genesis to Revelation. New Testament Echoes of the “Beneficial” Filter • 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.” – Freedom in Christ is never a license for unhelpful habits. • Romans 14:19 — “So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – The beneficial path builds others up, not just ourselves. • Galatians 5:13 — “For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.” – Service, not self-indulgence, marks God-honoring freedom. • Ephesians 4:29 — “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.” – Speech is judged by whether it helps or harms. • Ephesians 5:10 — “Test and prove what pleases the Lord.” – The test: Does this choice delight Him? • Colossians 3:17 — “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – “Whatever” is comprehensive; every arena matters. • Philippians 4:8 — “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.” – Our thought life is shaped by intentionally choosing the beneficial. • 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 — “But test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” – A two-step: cling to the helpful, shun the harmful. Old Testament Foundations of Wise, Beneficial Living • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Seeking His direction ensures the path is truly beneficial. • Proverbs 4:23 — “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” – Protecting the wellspring of life means filtering what enters. • Psalm 1:1-3 — The blessed person avoids ungodly counsel, delights in God’s law, and prospers “like a tree planted by streams of water.” – Fruitfulness flows from choosing the nourishing over the damaging. A Quick Comparison List: Freedom vs. Benefit Permissible " Beneficial ----------------"---------------- Can I do it? " Should I do it? Centered on self " Centered on Christ and others May enslave " Always edifies Can damage witness " Strengthens witness Practical Steps to Keep “Beneficial” Front and Center 1. Run every option through Philippians 4:8. If it fails any part of the grid, let it go. 2. Ask, “Will this build up another believer?” (Romans 14:19). 3. Check for mastery: “Will this control me?” (1 Corinthians 6:12). 4. Seek peace and holiness together (Hebrews 12:14). 5. Regularly “test and prove” choices (Ephesians 5:10) by Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel. Living the Principle Today Scripture never frames freedom in Christ as a fence-free playground; instead, it’s a spacious field bordered by love for God and neighbor. When life’s options parade before us, the Word invites a simple but searching question: Will this choice help me—and those around me—look more like Jesus? If the answer is yes, run toward it. If not, the Spirit stands ready with something better. |
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