Constructive or Destructive?

““I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial.

“I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.”

I Corinthians 10:23

 

 

There is a freedom in Christ and a liberty which we have through

God’s grace that the Old Testament saints did not have.

But in many ways that grace extended to us can become a test for us.

Will we enjoy that freedom regardless of who we may offend?

Will we attempt to use the grace of God as a demand for our rights?

“I would never do that!” you say.

That is good but let me give you a question you can ask as a sort

of primer on doing what is right.

It is a question you can ask a hundred times a day.

It is a simple question.

Ask yourself this.

Is it beneficial?

Is what I want to do beneficial – will it move me forward in holiness?

Will it be beneficial to those around me?

Is it constructive – that is will it contribute to the ‘construction’ of the image of Christ in me?

Is it destructive – that is will it contribute to the ‘destruction’ of the image of Christ in me?

It’s not a hard question, is it?

But often we don’t ask because we already know the answer and we don’t like it!

It is so much easier to benefit my flesh than it is to benefit my spirit.

Usually the benefit to the old man is immediate.

We are so conditioned to instant gratification in our culture.

But the choice that we make to grow in Christ has eternal rewards.

So, the next time you are faced with a choice ask this simple question.

Is it beneficial?

Then answer honestly and ask God for the strength to choose wisely!