Daily InsPirational MOments with Rev. Dr. Precious Prothro
August 16, 2026
I CAN…BUT SHOULD I?
Last night, I could not seem to fall asleep. That happens often, and I have various remedies. One that is especially helpful is listening to the Bible.
As I was finally drifting off, I heard: “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)
I popped right back up and rewound the app. I have read and heard that Scripture so many times, but this time I honed in on the second part: “…but all things edify not.”
When we are children, one of the things we admire about adults is that grown people can seemingly do whatever they want. What we didn’t understand then is that while we may have the freedom to make our own choices, our choices still have consequences and outcomes.
The same is true spiritually.
Grace, mercy, and forgiveness are not licenses to sin. Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom to behave any kind of way. As we mature in Christ, the question changes from “Am I allowed to?” to “Is this beneficial? Does this edify?”
Here’s the thing…because we can doesn’t mean we should.
Freedom gives us choices. Maturity gives us discernment. Relationship gives us conviction. And that “relationship” matters.
We are all on our individual walks with Christ. There may be things one person can do without conviction that someone else’s relationship with God will not allow them to do. That doesn’t give us the right to judge or condemn one another. Instead, we must be attentive to the convictions God places on our hearts and make sure our choices align with His Word and our relationship with Him.
Spiritual maturity isn’t just about knowing what we have the freedom to do. It’s developing the discernment to recognize what is beneficial, what strengthens our walk, what helps others, and ultimately, what edifies.
So, before we ask, “Can I?” perhaps we should also ask: Will this build me? Will it build others? Will it honor God?”
Be sure you are edifying in all you do.
Father, give us wisdom and discernment in the choices we make. Help us to value what edifies over simply what is allowed. Keep us sensitive to Your voice, faithful to Your Word, and mindful of how our choices affect others. May our lives always bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.