Paul reminded the believers in Corinth that they had been delivered from sin, i.e. they were “washed…sanctified…justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (I Corinthians 6:11). It was immediately after this that he offered some clear guidelines to help them navigate through this new life now theirs in Christ. Using himself as an example, he wrote “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (I Corinthians 6:12).
The word “expedient” means “helpful.” When Paul said that “all things are not expedient”, he was saying that all things are not helpful. The question then is “helpful to what?” Just a few chapters later in this same letter, Paul shares a conclusion that answers this question. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31). We can say that those things that are helpful advance the glory of God. Making it even more personal and practical, our choices and pursuits should help us and others glorify God.
The glory of God has to do with extoling his unique excellence, i.e. that which expressly pertains to who he is and what he is like. Our lives as his children are to be aimed in that direction. Our choices and pursuits are to “help” us and others to that end.
The second principle Paul shared is captured in his determination to “not be brought under the power of any.” Life is made up of many days and these days are consumed by countless activities. Many of these activities are not necessarily evil, but they can become so if we are not careful. Watching television is not in itself evil (though some TV shows clearly do not honor the Lord). However, many “brought under the power” of television have given themselves over to watching it so excessively that it prevents other God-honoring pursuits. We are committed to watching our special programming to the exclusion of spending constructive time with our spouse, building relationships with others, or even honoring responsibilities in the home or at work.
Television is just an example. I’m sure we can all think of things that are innocent in many respects that can dominate our lives to the dishonoring of God. These things often encroach upon our time and energies without conscious decision on our part. Ultimately, these pursuits distract and deter us from our main pursuit – glorifying God.
Paul’s advice is provided to us by the inspiration of the Spirit of God and, consequently, warrants our adoption. We are to choose activities and pursuits that are helpful in our walk with God and determine not to be dominated by lesser things.
From the Chaplain 