What Are We Free To Do As Christians?
In Christ we have the ultimate freedom. We are not bound by sin, legalism, and the old law. Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians, all things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. (1 Cor 10:23). But that doesn’t mean we are free to do whatever we want, but that we are free to do what we should. The question we have to ask ourselves is, “Does what I am doing glorify God?” Additionally, we should always consider the impact of our actions upon others, especially if it is causing them to struggle in their faith.
Scripture:
“Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that ‘We all possess knowledge.’ But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.” – 1 Corinthians 8:1-3
Observation/Application:
In the context of this chapter, the hot topic at the time was people eating meat sacrificed to idols. Today, instead of eating meat, we are probably talking about clothing, drinking and drugs, politics, and things off this nature that we should avoid if it is causing people to struggle. For example, it is absolutely fine to drink wine at dinner, but if it is causing others to drunkenness, then we should avoid drinking around them. It is important to think about how our actions, while they are completely fine for us, might be negatively impacting those around us.
We put others first because we put love first. Jesus tells us to love one another, and to be humble and kind. When we look at the life of Jesus on earth, he walked in love for all. That is how we know God. And God will know us by our love. There was great wisdom in the W-W-J-D bracelets. What Would Jesus Do? What a great phrase for us to consider when we act.
Image courtesy of: pchow98
Whoever loves truly knows God and is known by God. Whoever loves has the greatest power. Whoever loves has the greatest peace. Whoever loves has the greatest everything. For God is love. And as God conquers all, love conquers all. Loving God and our neighbors as ourselves is our simple and perfect formula for everything good in our lives.
#Love-And-Freedom-In-Our-Lord-Jesus-Christ
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, we come to you today with open hearts and open minds. Help us to walk in love, and to be more like you. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, and guide our steps. Fill our hearts with love, and our minds with wisdom to make the right choices. Fill us with your peace and joy. Fill my family and brothers and sisters in Christ with all of these things Lord, and bring us all closer to You. We seek You first, and give you all the honor and glory and praise, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Today’s full reading: Josh. 15-17; 1 Corinthians 8
Scripture References From Today’s Reflection:
- “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything” – (John 10:10)
- “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.” – (Romans 14:21)
- “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Additional References:
“Legalism, in Christian theology, is the act of putting law above gospel by establishing requirements for salvation beyond repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and reducing the broad, inclusive and general precepts of the Bible to narrow and rigid moral codes.” – (Wikipedia)
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