1 Corinthians 10:23

"'All things are lawful,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful,' but not all things build up."

All things are lawful? What!? The statement seems completely preposterous following the stern warning of the previous verses not to commit idolatry. Does this mean then that idolatry is lawful? Absolutely not! The prohibition in the previous verses was for the Christian not to participate in the pagan ceremonies, which often involved eating meat. That is idolatrous demon worship.

This verse begins a clarification that the meat itself is not the issue. The meat is nothing. In fact, that same meat offered to idols (that was wrong for the Christian to eat in the ceremony) can be resold in the meat market, and Christian can eat it without shame. There are no mystical powers that Satan has on meat or any other object. If you are not involved in the idolatry, it is lawful to eat.

But there is another consideration beyond lawfulness. The next verses will further develop the concept that we are to engage in lawful practices that help others by making them better, stronger Christians. When determining whether or not engage in a certain activity, I should not merely ask myself if it is alright for me to do the activity. I must consider if engaging in the lawful activity will be good for others. Far from granting the Christian a license to do whatever he wants, this verse calls us to greater accountability for our actions.