Non Omnia | Not Everything Is Beneficial

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive." - 1 Cor 10:23

The Indonesian government sets an enforcement of restrictions on community activities during 3-20 July, 2021. This influences my community life in Jogjakarta that we have to keep staying at home again and only go out if we have an urgent thing. This rule restricts my movement to socialize while it is beneficial for my safety and many people. 

Indeed, when I decide to go outside as far as with obeying the health protocol and not being harmful for others, I am not to be blamed. But for the safety of many people, I have to control myself. I think it relates to what Paul the apostle said to the Corinthians that he had the right to do anything yet not everything was constructive. In other words, even if something is legal, we should consider others before doing it.

Sometimes, we do something without considering others even though we have the right to do it. Besides, we think that what we have done is right and not against the rule. However, we are not living alone. We live together with people surround us. We should consider if what we do is beneficial and constructive for others not only for our self-importance.

Reflection on 1 Cor 10:23-33 by Fr. Aris Mada, SVD 

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