All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well being. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
Paul gives four principles for Christian liberty, while writing on the subject of food that is offered up to idols. As one who is washed, sanctified, and justified eternally by God’s grace, the believer is set free. So with the first principle— edification over gratification. Edify means to build up in Christian doctrine. If I who knows the forgiveness of God’s grace, I know that it is unmerited, and that it is a free gift which I could never earn. So why would I want to offend a weaker member of the body with my liberty? Offending a weaker brother with one’s freedom will cause that offended person to condemn us. The second principle—others over self. Let us be reminded to examine ourselves. As we see another year on the horizon, let us seek even more earnestly how in this coming new year we might be even more useful in serving God. The apostle Peter wrote: But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.(1 Peter 4:7-10) The word “fervent” means “ to be stretched” or “To be strained.” It is used of a runner who is moving at maximum out put with taut muscles straining and stretching to the limit to reach the finishing line. This kind of love requires the Christian to put another’s spiritual good ahead of his own desires in spite of the others response, or lack of response. The third principle is liberty over legalism. Those who want to glorify God must not be hypocritical in love, nor be legalistic in the law. If you are the guest of an unbeliever and alcohol is served, it is best to refuse such an invitation to use your liberty if this would cause a weaker member in the body of Christ to stumble. Even if it would offend the unbeliever who invited you. Christian liberty, as well as the most common behavior, is to be conducted to the glory and honor of God. And the fourth principle: Condescension over condemnation—Since love to other believer’s is one of the strongest witness we have, we should not involve ourselves in condemning one’s actions over what we consider to be at liberty with.
Beloved friend, As the new year approaches, let us be alert to what God’s will ought to be concerning our freedoms and liberties in which Christ has made us free of. Let us be a people who are devoted to serving our Lord by using and exercising our spiritual gifts which will edify others, and glorify God in the process. Let us be about our Father’s business, looking for the returning of His Son, for His bride, the church, without stain or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27).
May the Lord bless your walk!
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