I Corinthians 10:23
“All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up.”
This verse was eye opening as a young christian. I was bound up in legalism with a conscience that gave a short leash. In the context of this verse it speaks of the ones with limited freedoms and that those with greater freedoms should limit their actions so as not to offend others. Some jews and greeks were offended by eating meat offered to idols. So if we are in the company of them, we shouldn’t do so.
This verse was enlightening because I saw that I could have greater freedom. I wanted that. My issue wasn’t eating meat, but several other things. I didn’t understand how God spoke to us outside of His Word, the bible. I saw conscience promptings as from God. Unfortunately, my conscience was condemning. My religious upbringing emphasized sacrifice. I could never do enough.
Then I was began to learn of His love and grace. This was so hopeful. I didn’t know how to apply it. One of the lessons I learned was that God convicts, but He doesn’t condemn. Convictions draws us closer to God, while condemnation drives us from God. I was experiencing condemnation. This wasn’t of God.
Another verse that helped me was I John 3:20, “Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things.” This verse demonstrated that God wasn’t always in agreement with my conscience. It might be condemning me, but God wasn’t. Basically my conscience can be wrong. This was helpful.
I learned that my conscience responded to what it thought was true. As my knowledge of God grew, my conscience began to follow. It gave me more freedoms. Learning of God’s love and grace was such a blessing.
Paul’s broad declaration of freedom, “all things are lawful” was a goal. I’ve been growing in that. Thank You, Lord, for that.