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

Have you ever felt stuck in a moral decision? If we have everything we need (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3), why do we sometimes find it hard to know where God draws the line between lawful and sinful?

The line between right and wrong can seem blurry when we ask the wrong questions. There are moral absolutes that God reveals (Isa. 5:20)! But while the world tries to erase all black-and-white ethics (Judg. 21:25), some Christians go to the other extreme by claiming every choice is clear-cut and obvious. Acknowledging some decisions aren’t as straightforward as we’d like doesn’t make us weak; it gives us an honest starting place from which we earnestly seek God’s will. Thankfully, God leads us through those decisions with timeless truths and attitudes that help us make the best choice.

How can we know our choices please our Lord? We could stop at questions like, “What do I have to do?” or “How far can I go before something becomes a sin?” But Scripture’s guidance goes beyond those questions, leading us into a richer relationship with our Shepherd. God’s Spirit leads us through principles that guide us like a compass toward God-honoring choices (1 Cor. 2:11-14; Gal. 5:16-26; Heb. 5:14). 

What’s Best?

Four times in First Corinthians, Paul uses the phrase “all things are lawful for me” (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:23). It was probably a slogan some Corinthian Christians repeated to celebrate their freedom and defend their rights (cf. 1 Cor. 8:9). And he doesn’t argue with their liberty! Yet each time he quotes it, he adds a “but,” offering principles that challenge us to ask other questions besides, “What am I allowed to do?”

Even when a given set of options are all lawful, it doesn’t mean all are equal.

First, he says, “‘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” (1 Cor. 6:12). Even when a given set of options are all lawful, it doesn’t mean all are equal.

The original word for “helpful” — in other versions, “expedient” (KJV) or “beneficial” (NIV) — is translated as “better” in Matthew 5:29. Rather than asking, “What’s okay?” to do, look for what’s “better” so you can choose what’s best.

Ask yourself: Does this give the devil an opportunity (Eph 4:27)? Does it make “provision for the flesh” (Rom 13:14)? Don’t tilt the board toward destructive desires and make it harder to do right. Scripture consistently counsels us to run away from “even a hint” of sin (Eph. 5:3, NIV; cf. Gen. 39:12, Prov. 4:15, Amos 5:14-15, 1 Cor. 6:18, 1 Thes. 5:22, 1 Tim. 6:11, 2 Tim. 2:22, Heb. 12:1).

Is there a habit, desire, relationship, or object that has become too powerful in your life?

The Greek word translated “dominated” is the same word the Bible uses to describe Christ’s authority (Matt. 7:28-29, 9:6, 21:23-27, Col. 2:10). The next verse declares that the Lord alone should have authority over your body (1 Cor. 6:13). One way to recognize that something has power over you is when you don’t want to do something but find yourself doing it anyway. Is there a habit, desire, relationship, or object that has become too powerful in your life? Does something have a hold on you?

Another critical question is, “Does this go against my conscience?” (Rom. 14:14; 1 Cor. 8:7). Pay attention when, after prayer and study, you still have nagging doubts, “For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23).

Don’t confuse standing up for your rights with standing for what’s right.

Paul’s second use of the phrase “all things are lawful” directs us to look beyond our desires and rights to consider others. He repeats, “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful” then adds, “‘All things are lawful’ but not all things build up” (1 Cor. 10:23). The next verse gives a helpful principle: “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor” (10:24). Seek harmony (Rom. 15:6). Don’t confuse standing up for your rights with standing for what’s right.

What Will Glorify God?

Paul concludes his discussion of liberties with another guiding principle: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). I’ve been asked, “How much money do I have to give to God?” Or another common question: “How often do I need to get together with the saints each month?” Those are valid questions, but we enter a discipleship danger zone when we start wondering, “What’s the least I can do to have eternal life?” Bare minimum discipleship isn’t discipleship at all. The greatest commandment teaches us to measure our life by our love and measure our love by how much we hold back from the Lord. Holding back your best isn’t loving God “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37).

What’s Wise?

We want to avoid sinful choices, but we can go a step further than that by avoiding foolish choices too. Scripture challenges us to pursue wisdom in everything we do (Eph. 5:15-17; Prov. 4:7). What’s best in this situation? The Hebrew word for “wisdom” literally means skill. God wants us to live skillfully.

Think back to your regrets. How many of those could you have prevented if you looked for the wise choice? This question can lead you to better relationships, decisions, and life. It will save you time, money, and heartbreak. Most importantly, your walk with God will find sure footing and enriched blessings if you make a routine of pursuing the wisest way. If these claims seem exaggerated, read the book of Proverbs and notice how it claims wisdom changes us (e.g., Prov. 3:13-26).

Think back to your regrets. How many of those could you have prevented if you looked for the wise choice?

We often know the wisest thing to do but sometimes don’t look for it. We’ll find wisdom if we “seek it like silver” (Prov. 2:4-6). Wisdom elevates our thinking, words, and habits when we continually ask this question.

But not all wisdom is the same, so look for the real deal. One form of wisdom is from God, and the other isn’t. One form of wisdom is from God, and the other isn’t. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (Jam. 3:15-18). Ask godly people for their insight (Prov. 15:22). But seeking wisdom ultimately means “understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15-18). Study and reflect on His Word. Ask the Lord to help you answer: “What is wise?” Regularly pray for wisdom and trust God to give it to you (Jam. 1:6-8).