Not all things are helpful….

Freedom. I have the freedom to do God’s will. But if I do someone else’s will, is it not my own anymore? Isn’t doing the will of another explicitly not doing my own will? No. Not if my actions are in alignment with what God wants me to do. I need to want to do what God wants me to do.

1 Corinthians 6:12 repeats, “all things are lawful for me,” twice. The first instance is followed by the response, “but not all things are helpful.” The second instance has a more pointed response, “but I will not be dominated by anything.” This is not in reference to man’s law. This is specifically referring to God’s laws recorded in the Torah to instruct the Jewish people. It’s a big statement that infers Jesus’ followers enjoy a special status—while at the same time affirming for believers what we are to do. We are to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, to mirror him in our lives, reflecting all that he has done so others may see him through us.

When I reflect on this verse, I’m reminded of addictions that dominate over people. Some people have food addictions or TV addictions or drug addictions. It doesn’t matter what it is. It could be anything. Paul recognizes this by stating, “not all things are helpful.” That’s all an addiction is: Acceptance of being dominated—letting go of the reins so that someone else is in charge. Only God should dominate over our lives. So why would Paul say that all things are lawful but not helpful? It means that nothing is off the table—but the table shouldn’t have much on it anyways, if God is our focus. Since Paul is speaking in light of his justification through Christ, it becomes obvious why nothing will dominate over him. He is sent by God himself—as all followers of Jesus are—and nothing can dominate over God.

1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV): “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

REPEATING IT DIFFERENTLY:

1 Corinthians 10:23 (ESV): “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.