What is freedom in Christ? What does it look like for me? Many churches disagree about many issues: drinking, war, dancing, how to dress, etc. Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. What impacts my decisions that I make? God's Word should, but not always....
There are many issues that the Bible does not address, yet people pull and stretch God's word to say what they want it to say.... such as dancing is wrong, drinking is wrong, and for women-wearing pants is wrong, piercings and tatoos are wrong, etc. To say such things are sin is heresy. Yes, I know there are wise and unwise decisions, but to say, for example that piercings are wrong is judgemental. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit-this verse specifically addresses prostitution, not any other issue. I'm not denying that we need to take care of ourselves, but many times we take it to extreme and make it legalistic-a set of do's and don'ts.
On the other hand, the issue of drinking is a touchy topic for most. Drinking in itself is not wrong, yet the Bible clearly states that drunkeness is wrong. How many of my friends go to the edge-tipsy, not drunk? Where's the line? How should I conduct myself-knowing that drinking in itself is not wrong, yet aware of what that might look like to those struggling with drinking, etc. Should I care about what people think? I have freedom to drink, but there are times when it's not wise to do so-depending on the situation. Situations in which there is risk in making someone struggle in their walk with Christ, situations in which it may prevent someone from being open to Christ. The fact that there is freedom doesn't mean that we continue to make the same decisions.
As I live, I need to be careful to not be judgemental as I see people make decisions. I have certain standards I set myself based on what God has taught me. I have to realize that people don't have the same convictions as I do. I'm learning this year that I can't determine standards for other people. I constantly struggle with grace-for myself and others...
What should go through my head as I make decisions? 1. Am I honoring and glorifying God
2. Am I preventing someone from being open to know Jesus or growing in their faith 3. Am I going to be hurt emotionally (or physically for that matter) ?
We are free to choose, but we have to be careful. My embrace of freedom in Christ should not ignore my impact on others. I need to be concerned that my action do impact believers and non believers alike-in their coming to faith or continuing their faith journey.
Living life as Christian is not as simple as I used to think life was. The longer I walk in my faith, the more difficult it becomes because I gain knowledge of not just what is right and wrong, but the knowledge of what is wise and unwise.
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