Choosing What Truly Builds You Up ... Unpacking the Message of Verse 1 Corinthians 10:23
- Anthony Speciale
- Jul 6, 2025
- 9 min read
Greetings,
Choosing What Truly Builds You Up
“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. — 1 Corinthians 10:23
Unpacking the Message of Verse 1 Corinthians 10:23
The verse from 1 Corinthians 10:23 — “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 — strikes at the heart of Christian liberty, responsibility, and love. It’s an invitation to reflect deeply on the use of our freedom in Christ, not as license, but as a path to holiness, maturity, and selfless love.
Paul is addressing a mindset that had taken root among believers in Corinth, a group of people who were taking their spiritual freedom and using it carelessly. They reasoned that since they were no longer bound by the Old Testament law, they could do whatever they pleased. And in a sense, that’s partially true — salvation through Christ does indeed liberate us from the condemnation of the law. However, Paul adds a vital clarification: just because something is permissible does not make it profitable.
Imagine a person who has complete freedom to eat whatever they want. That freedom exists — but if they choose to eat only junk food, their health will deteriorate. The freedom itself isn’t wrong; the use of that freedom is what determines whether it is beneficial or destructive. In the same way, Christians are free from legalism, but called to be stewards of that freedom in love and service.
This verse is an antidote to selfishness disguised as liberty. Paul wants the church to recognize that their actions, even when technically “allowed,” can cause harm — to themselves, to others, and to the witness of the gospel. When he says not everything is constructive, he’s urging believers to think beyond the moment, beyond themselves, and into the consequences of their choices. Is this building someone up? Is this glorifying God? Is this feeding my spirit, or my flesh?
This becomes especially relevant in areas where Scripture doesn’t give black-and-white rules. These are the so-called “gray areas”: food choices, entertainment, cultural customs, or personal habits. In such matters, Paul doesn’t just ask, “Is it allowed?” but rather, “Is it edifying?” In Galatians 5:13, Paul says, “Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” That’s a critical principle. Christian freedom is always meant to flow in the direction of love — not self-indulgence.
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The gospel doesn’t only redeem our souls — it reshapes our ethics, motives, and intentions. So this verse becomes a tool for spiritual discernment. It challenges us to examine not just our behavior, but our reasoning. Why am I doing this? Who benefits? What fruit will this bear in my life and in the lives of others?
Notice also the communal aspect embedded in this wisdom. What’s constructive isn't always individualistic. What builds me may not build you — and vice versa. So in a community of believers, we’re called to practice restraint, compassion, and deference to one another’s well-being. Paul isn’t endorsing legalism, but he is advocating for self-limiting love — a mark of mature faith.
There’s also a challenge here for our modern, hyper-individualistic culture. We often hear phrases like, “It’s my life,” “Do what makes you happy,” or “Live your truth.” But this verse counters that ideology. As followers of Christ, our freedom is not absolute — it’s accountable to the law of Christ, which is the law of love. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul makes a similar statement but adds, “I will not be mastered by anything.” This shows that even permissible things can enslave us. The exercise of freedom can become bondage if we aren’t vigilant.
This verse is also incredibly practical. It gives us a grid for decision-making in everyday life. You might ask: Is this relationship beneficial? Is this habit constructive? Is this entertainment feeding my spirit or numbing it? Is this conversation building someone up or subtly tearing them down? Not every “yes” is wise. And sometimes the highest form of wisdom is saying “no” to what you can do in favor of what you should do.
Ultimately, this verse points us to Jesus Himself, who had the right to call down angels and escape the cross — yet chose what was beneficial for all of us instead. He surrendered His rights out of love. And now He calls us to do the same. Freedom in Christ means the freedom to love, the freedom to grow, and the freedom to choose what is eternally fruitful over what is momentarily appealing.
So ask yourself daily: Is this choice glorifying God? Is it serving others? Is it strengthening my character? Am I using my freedom to reflect the heart of Jesus — or am I misusing it in ways that weaken me or those around me?
That is where true, Spirit-led freedom leads — not into chaos or compromise, but into holiness, love, and fruitfulness that remains.
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Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
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Here is a 7-day journaling and reflection plan based on 1 Corinthians 10:23 —
“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.
This plan is designed to help you examine the ways you use your freedom in Christ and align your choices with love, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
Day 1: Defining Freedom in Christ
Reflection Prompt: What does “freedom in Christ” mean to me? How do I understand the difference between liberty and license in my spiritual walk?
Prayer Focus: Thank God for the gift of grace that frees you from condemnation. Ask Him to show you what true freedom looks like in your daily life.
Day 2: Evaluating My Choices
Reflection Prompt: What is something I’ve done recently that was “allowed” but may not have been helpful? How did it affect my spirit or others around me?
Prayer Focus: Ask God for discernment to recognize choices that hinder rather than help your growth or witness.
Day 3: Building Others Up
Reflection Prompt: Are my words and actions constructive in the lives of others? How can I better use my freedom to edify, encourage, and uplift?
Prayer Focus: Pray for a heart that considers others' spiritual well-being and for opportunities to build others up in love.
Day 4: The Fruit of My Freedom
Reflection Prompt: What fruits (positive or negative) have grown from the choices I’ve made under the banner of freedom? What needs pruning or planting?
Prayer Focus: Invite the Holy Spirit to examine your heart and reveal where your use of freedom is bearing either good fruit or harmful habits.
Day 5: Resisting the Flesh
Reflection Prompt: Are there areas in my life where I’m indulging the flesh under the guise of liberty? How can I turn those into acts of obedience and worship?
Prayer Focus: Pray for self-control and the strength to choose what honors God, especially in moments of temptation.
Day 6: Freedom That Serves
Reflection Prompt: How can I practically use my spiritual freedom this week to serve someone else? What does love look like in action?
Prayer Focus: Ask the Lord to align your will with His, and for divine appointments where your freedom becomes someone else’s blessing.
Day 7: A New Filter for Decision-Making
Reflection Prompt: How might my life change if I filtered every choice through this question: “Is this beneficial and constructive?” What decisions do I need to rethink?
Prayer Focus: Commit your decision-making to God. Ask Him to teach you how to live not just by what is permissible, but by what is pleasing and powerful for His kingdom.
Let this week be about growing deeper in wise freedom — a freedom that not only honors your liberty in Christ but serves His purposes with clarity and compassion.
Closing thoughts as we pray for those reading or hearing this verse today...
Dear Beloved in Christ,
Choosing What Truly Builds You Up
In today’s world, freedom is often mistaken for permission to do whatever feels good in the moment.
But as followers of Jesus, we are called to something higher—something more intentional and loving.
The Apostle Paul reminds us of this powerful truth:
“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. — 1 Corinthians 10:23
As believers, we are no longer bound by the law, but we are led by love.
That means we ask not just “Can I do this?” but “Will this honor God and help others?”
Every choice becomes a chance to glorify the Lord and reflect His character.
So today, let’s use our freedom wisely.
Let’s pursue what builds others up and strengthens our walk with Christ.
Live for what matters most.
With grace and purpose 🙏🏻
Be Relentless In Pursuit Of The Will
Which God Has Set Upon Your Life,
❤️ Anthony and Anna Speciale
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