All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (1 Corinthians 10:23)
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 10:23 to Christians living under Roman rule. The Romans were known for accepting any and every kind of worship that was out there. In fact, Roman worship adapted to the culture by adopting and changing the Greek forms of worship by simply renaming their deities.
Some of this worship included temple prostitution. Citizens paid their temple taxes with meat; then they would “worship” by having sex in the temple. The workers in the temple would then sell the meat and others would eat it, knowing full well where it came from. Not only was that practice allowed but it was celebrated and deemed as a legitimate and honorable religious practice. Remember, these people grew up believing temple prostitution was normal. They accepted and celebrated it.
The Jewish believers, of course, believed anyone that even touched that meat was pagan or in sin. So, the question arose: is this against God’s way or was this an area of personal conviction?
Paul concluded that this wasn't merely a matter of dietary choices or personal conviction. It was a question of conscience, identity, and faith.
Paul acknowledged that even if believers can find loopholes in what is “allowed,” it doesn’t mean that what is allowed is expedient or profitable.
When it comes to our freedom in Christ, many times, the question should not be about what you can do, but it should be what is spiritually beneficial to you and others. Our actions should never lead fellow believers to sin or go against their personal convictions. We're not just living for ourselves; we are here to edify others and ultimately to give glory to God.
Practical Application
Make sure you aren’t asking yourself, “Am I allowed to do this?” Change your question to: “Will this benefit me spiritually?” and “Will this cause someone else to feel convicted or fall into sin?” We are called to live a life that glorifies God and encourages those around us to follow Him.