Permissible AND Edifying

Excerpt from John Bevere's Bait of Satan

"We should make it our aim not to cause another to stumble because of our personal liberty. What we do may even be permissible according to the Scriptures. But ask yourself: Does it seek the edification of another or myself?"

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Isn't it true how we sometimes choose personal liberty at the expense of others - we rather stumble others so that we can do/enjoy what we like.

The Bible says in 1 Cor 10: 23-24 (The Amplified Bible),

"All things are legitimate [permissible--and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but [rather] each one of the other [let him seek the welfare of his neighbor]."

and 1 Cor 10: 31-33 (The Amplified Bible)

"So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God. Do not let yourselves be [hindrances by giving] an offense to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God [ R5 do not lead others into sin by your mode of life]; Just as I myself strive to please [to accommodate myself to the opinions, desires, and interests of others, adapting myself to] all men in everything I do, not aiming at or considering my own profit and advantage, but that of the many in order that they may be saved."

Think about your actions and words today - though permissible, are they edifying?

Think about the places you visit or things you do in your free time - are they edifying to others on top of being permissible?

The point here is to do/say things that are permissible AND edifying.

Let's all learn to be like Paul who not consider his own profit and advantage, BUT that of others first!