{"id":48223,"date":"2023-12-14T23:36:25","date_gmt":"2023-12-14T20:36:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=48223"},"modified":"2025-11-13T11:44:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T08:44:15","slug":"not-everything-permitted-is-beneficial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2023\/12\/14\/not-everything-permitted-is-beneficial\/","title":{"rendered":"Not Everything Permitted is Beneficial"},"content":{"rendered":"

(A Biblical Reflection on the Use of Perfume and Christian Modesty)<\/strong><\/p>\n

As followers of Christ, it’s important to recognize that not everything that is allowed is necessarily good or appropriate<\/strong>. Just because something is accepted in culture or popular among many doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s spiritually healthy or pleasing to God.<\/p>\n

The Apostle Paul addresses this principle in:<\/p>\n

1 Corinthians 10:23<\/strong>
\n\u201cAll things are lawful,\u201d but not all things are helpful. \u201cAll things are lawful,\u201d but not all things build up.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In other words, freedom in Christ is not a license to follow every trend<\/strong> or cultural practice. We are called to live with discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit and the truth of Scripture.<\/p>\n

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Perfume Use: Harmless or Harmful?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One area that often goes unquestioned is the use of strong perfume<\/strong>. While using fragrance in moderation is not a sin, the intention behind its use matters greatly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re wearing perfume so strong that someone 10 meters away can smell it, it\u2019s worth asking yourself:<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I trying to communicate? Who am I trying to attract or impress?\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This may seem like a small thing, but Scripture reminds us that our outward behavior often reflects the inward condition of our hearts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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A Biblical Example: Perfume and Purpose<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In Mark 14:3\u20138<\/strong>, we find the story of a woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus. This act was misunderstood by many around her, but Jesus saw a deeper meaning.<\/p>\n

Mark 14:3<\/strong>
\n\u201c…a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Mark 14:8\u00a0<\/strong>
\n\u201cShe has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Though others thought the perfume was being wasted, Jesus revealed that it was a prophetic act\u2014an anointing in preparation for His death<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This points to Christ\u2019s role as the Suffering Servant<\/strong> (Isaiah 53), and it connects to ancient Jewish customs of anointing bodies before burial (John 19:40). The perfume wasn\u2019t for glamour\u2014it was for sacrifice.<\/p>\n

This challenges the way we often think about fragrance, fashion, and self-presentation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Spiritual Implication<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the woman in Mark 14 acted out of reverence and humility, many today may use strong perfumes or cosmetics to draw attention, feed vanity, or stir sensuality<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In some cases, these external displays may unknowingly open doors to spiritual dangers such as:<\/p>\n