Sometimes it may feel like we are walking on eggshells with other folks; trying hard not to provoke or trigger an undesirable reaction. Remember, as long as we live in this fallen world, we will not be exempt from dealing with people who think their opinions are to be the measurement of how others should interact or live their lives. When everything belongs to the Lord and the work of the Spirit is to guide believers into the Truth, we do not need to walk on eggshells. Obeying God is our way of living, so isn’t it likely that we will disagree with other people at times?
Our goal, as believers, is to glorify God with every aspect of our lives. This goal comes with a big responsibility. Therefore, we do not want to lead others astray by our choices, nor do we try to provoke an argument about Christianity; we are recognized as belonging to Christ by our love. Let’s remember every human being in Christ has been set free; no more condemnation for those who live in Christ (John 8:36; Luke 4:18-19; Ro 8:1-4). Grace [God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense] is abundant and the Spirit is all-powerful; so, in order to bring glory to God we need to obediently bow to our Christ and his example. Period. Yet, there is that matter of sensitivity to the Spirit.
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul has been teaching the church in Corinth about idolatry and the form it was taking in early Christianity. Idolatry [worship of something false—other than God] filled pagan religions and people were worried about inadvertently doing something sinful like buying and eating meat that had been offered to pagan idols. Therefore, Paul reminds Christ’s followers about the importance of their motives. If something has not been forbidden in Scripture, there is liberty. The Spirit has no problem convicting believers when he or she are doing something that does not glorify God.
The same is true for us today. However, when in doubt we must be humble and sensitive to the people around us. Some believers have strong convictions about certain things. Maybe we share those conviction and maybe we do not. What does love look like in those moments?
God calls us to live in agape, so we must think about how our actions affect others. We need to remember these few things about our freedom in Christ to help us make good choices.
- Jesus would never give us the freedom to harm others with our words or actions.
- Living in fear of displeasing another person is not Christ’s example of freedom.
- Gaining the approval of everyone at the cost of our own convictions is not freedom.
When our motive is to serve Christ and others, we will have the right attitude that glorifies God.
1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 NLT
23 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
25 So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”[Ps. 24:1]
27 If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. 28 (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? 30 If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it?
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.
11
1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping us to remain strong and faithful to the conviction of the Spirit. We do not need to fear the response of others. Instead, we need to choose to glorify you and reach for grace. We want to live well and help others to enjoy your abundant grace, too. We are filled with gratitude, Lord, for all you have done to lead us into righteous freedom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.