Do Whatever We Want…..

How often do we evaluate our own behavior? I mean how much do we take for granted our behavioral freedom in Christ? Have you ever offended someone by being nonchalant about your behavior even though it caused another to question their beliefs? I find myself doing it. The part that we usually don’t see is the even though we have freedom in Christ, under grace, that freedom was never meant to be used selfishly, to do whatever we want. If I cause another to stumble in their walk of faith, it’s most likely because I’m using my freedom selfishly; something that was never part of the design. Freedom comes along side responsibility. The two cannot exist by themselves. One can linger, but eventually left by itself long enough, it will self-implode. I believe this side of our freedom is abused more than it’s exercised in the right manner. Paul makes it crystal clear here that we are to use our freedom in Christ to help others. It definitely does not work when it’s focus is on self. Chew on this thought for a while, it will certainly make your life and walk of faith digest much easy when it’s time to swallow.

9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. 10 For if others see you–with your “superior knowledge”–eating in the temple of an idol, won’t they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? 11 So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed. 12 And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. 13 So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live–for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:9-13