The Wisdom of Expedience

True Spiritual Maturity

All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.
1 Corinthians 10:23 (ASV)

With this one short verse, Paul describes one of the great responsibilities found within true spiritual maturity.

What this translation calls “expedient” the NASU calls “profitable”, but the ideas are similar. There is a great difference between whether something is allowed and whether it should be done. Understanding the difference separates the spiritually mature and immature. When is something lawful, yet not expedient?

Matters of Conscience

A first case can be found in matters of conscience. In Romans Chapter 14, Paul describes the difference between so-called “strong” and “weak” brethren. The differences between the two have no bearing upon law (what is commanded), but instead upon opinion (one’s personal belief). In this chapter we learn the power of the conscience over sin (14:23) and the responsibility to those with “weaker” consciences. While the example of meat sacrificed to idols is not a common problem today, the principle still holds. For the purpose of our discussion, it may be perfectly lawful to do a certain thing, but if it offends or might even cause a brother to sin (against their own conscience) it is never expedient.

Personal Example

A second case can be found in matters of personal example. There are many things we are at liberty to do which do not offend God. However, there are certain acts which can be self-defeating to the overall work of Christ. These matters typically enter into the realm of modesty, taboos, social\cultural requirements, etc. The key to understanding this principle is to remember that no Christian is truly their own self, but bought at a price (1 Cor. 7:23). Therefore, we are not the absolute determiners of our own will, but seek to fulfill the will of Christ. While it may be allowed to do a certain thing, will Christ (the reputation of the church, evangelism, etc.) be served by doing such a thing? This concept was a central part of the everyday behavior of Paul. Paul became “all things to all men” so that he could “by all means save some” (1 Cor. 9:22).

Application is Difficult

This idea of expedience is not an easy subject, nor should it be. It is not found in the realm of mere commands, but in the application of spiritual wisdom. Such is true spiritual maturity – not merely a life of “dos” and “don’ts” but a life of knowing when and how to act in order to bring the most good.