~ 1 Corinthians 10:23
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The church in Corinth struggled with how to live out their freedom in Christ. Some believers, proud of their knowledge, argued that because idols were nothing, they could freely eat food sacrificed to them. Others worried this would harm their conscience. In response, Paul gives a timeless principle: yes, in Christ we are free—but freedom must be guided by love and wisdom.
The key word here is helpful (sympherō—profitable, beneficial). Just because something is allowed doesn’t mean it is good. Paul goes further: “not all things build up” (oikodomeō—to strengthen, to edify, to make into a house). In other words, freedom is not the same as flourishing. The wise believer asks not only, “Am I allowed?” but “Does this help? Does this strengthen? Does this build up myself, others, and the temple of God’s Spirit?”
This principle applies directly to the theme of lower-toxic living. Many products around us—body care, household cleaners, fragrances, plastics—are “lawful.” It’s not a sin to use them. But are they helpful? Do they build up health, strength, and wholeness—or do they tear it down little by little? Science increasingly shows the harm of long-term exposure to harsh chemicals: hormonal disruption, respiratory issues, chronic illness. What’s lawful is not always beneficial.
As Christians, we are called to live thoughtfully, not carelessly. Stewardship means asking: Is this choice helping me glorify God in my body (1 Cor. 6:19–20)? Is it building up those in my home, my children, my community—or could it be harming them? When we begin to see even daily choices through this lens, our lives become acts of wisdom and worship.
But Paul’s words also remind us of balance. Lower-tox living is not about fear or legalism. We don’t earn righteousness by avoiding chemicals, and we can’t control everything in our environment. Instead, we live with intentionality. Each step—swapping one cleaner for a safer one, choosing simpler body care, opening windows instead of masking air with fragrance—is a way of aligning our lives with God’s design for health and flourishing.
Ultimately, this verse calls us to shift our question. Instead of asking, “Am I allowed to use this?” we ask, “Is this helpful? Does this build up?” That’s the heart of Christian maturity. Freedom in Christ is not about clinging to the minimum standard but pursuing the highest good.
Today, take time to evaluate: Are my daily choices truly building me up in health and holiness, or are they slowly wearing me down? Am I using my freedom carelessly, or am I letting it lead me into wiser, life-giving stewardship? Remember: lawful is not always helpful. Choose what builds up, and in doing so, glorify God.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the freedom I have in Christ. Teach me to use that freedom with wisdom, not selfishness. Help me choose what is truly helpful, what builds up my body and home as Your temple, so that every choice reflects Your glory. Amen.
