Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10: 31 NASB)

Paul challenges the believers in the Corinthian church with these words; “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable . . . not all things edify.” (1 Cor. 10:23) What is he talking about?

We are told in Genesis that God created us in His image. Humanity is blessed not just with a form of life, but rather with life that, like God, can reason, choose and act to fulfill the choice made. In fact, we must choose. God doesn’t use force to guide us. The way we go is our choice! Of course, He has set some boundaries to consider. And these, when observed, are important guides for choosing our way.

Unfortunately to choose wrong can lead to ways that may be exciting for a time, but never satisfy and often destroy. How is it we fall into choosing wrong? The things Paul was challenging in Corinth haven’t changed. For some, the question was, “Is it legal?” For others, “Is it generally acceptable?” If the answer was yes, these are possible choices. Why not? After all, it is something everyone is doing. And it’s legal!

But for the believer, there is a critical test for making choices. It’s what guided Jesus in the garden when He said, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” This test asks one simple question; “By choosing this do I glorify God? A question that not only points the way but gives our choice eternal meaning.

What question do you ask?