I write about Stuff

“You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is good for you… not everything is beneficial.” —1 Corinthians 10:23 NLT

One of the most freeing—and challenging—truths of the Christian life is this: not everything that is permissible is actually good for your soul. Some things are allowed, but they’re not helpful. Some things are harmless in small doses, but harmful when they begin to shape your desires, your time, or your priorities. And the older we get in our faith, the more we realise that spiritual maturity isn’t just about avoiding sin—it’s about choosing what strengthens us.

Paul gives us a simple but powerful litmus test: Is this beneficial? Not “Is this allowed?” Not “Is this sinful?” But “Does this help me grow?” That question alone can transform the way we live.

As women, we often juggle countless responsibilities—family, work, relationships, commitments. And in the midst of all that, we crave things that help us unwind, escape, or feel good. Hobbies, entertainment, social media, friendships, ambitions—none of these are wrong. Many are gifts. But even good things can become heavy when they begin to take up too much space in our hearts.

Paul’s second question goes even deeper: Does this thing bring me under its power? That’s where the real danger lies. Something doesn’t have to be sinful to become controlling. It just has to become central. It just has to take more of your attention, affection, or energy than it should.

And the truth is, anything can become a master—work, relationships, approval, hobbies, screens, fitness, food, busyness, even ministry. When something begins to shape your choices more than Christ does, it’s time to pause and take inventory.

Then comes the third question—the one that speaks to the grey areas of life: Do I have an uneasy conscience about this? The Holy Spirit often whispers long before He shouts. A quiet discomfort. A hesitation. A sense that something isn’t quite right. That gentle nudge is not meant to shame you—it’s meant to protect you. When we ignore it, we drift. When we listen, we grow.

The Holy Spirit is your ally in this. He helps you discern what strengthens your faith and what weakens it. He helps you recognise when something is beginning to take too much space. He helps you see when a harmless pastime is becoming a quiet distraction from God’s presence.

Wise Christians take regular inventory—not out of fear, but out of desire. Desire to grow. Desire to stay close to God. Desire to live lightly, freely, intentionally. They ask, Is this helping me or hindering me? Is this drawing me closer to Christ or dulling my hunger for Him?

And when something isn’t beneficial, they don’t cling to it—they release it. Not because they have to, but because they want to make room for what truly gives life.

What about you? What is one thing in your life that may be permissible, enjoyable, or harmless—but not actually beneficial to your spiritual growth, and how might God be inviting you to hold it differently?