Editorial January 25, 1919 Issue

Things Not Expedient

William P. McKenzie

Paul had a very clear sense of his potential freedom, but realized also how Love brought him under its control. "All things are lawful for me," he said, "but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not," that is, not all things are edifying. He means to say that some of the things quite lawful to do will not expedite progress nor carry us along in the right way nor build up character. Then he goes on to say that a man must consult his neighbor's interest rather than his own advantage. His finality is, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." This is ever expedient and suitable.

When his departure drew near, Jesus comforted his disciples beforehand, saying, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you." Although they were in sorrow, he made it clear to them how they would be able to accept the unseen Comforter, "the Spirit of truth," which was to guide them into all truth and show them things to come. What they considered loss and an occasion for grief was nevertheless a ministry to spiritual growth and progress.

The problem before the individual undecided regarding what is expedient can be easily solved if he looks to the heavenward way, and seeking for understanding finds that guidance which comes from the Comforter. Some persons had evidently quoted to Paul the saying, "All things are lawful," and had defined it by another wise saying, "Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats;" but he grimly reminded them that God would do away with the one and the other. The body is not for immorality, he said, "but for the Lord," and the conclusion of his discussion is, "Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

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