Perspectives

1 Corinthians 10:23-24… 23) “I have the right to do anything,” you say – but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” – but not everything is constructive. 24) No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (NIV)

When we talk about Christian Liberties or freedom to do as we like… the Scripture does not always lay down little rules for our conduct to tell us just the things we ought to do or not to do but, states moral – ethical – decent principles which should guide the Christian’s actions.

Perhaps we should say it this way… “Christian freedom does not mean we have the right to do and say as we like but say and do as we should.” Scripture teaches that we are allowed to do many things since the Bible says we can but there are things that are not good for us. Even when the Bible says, I can do them. We should refuse to get involved with issues that may well get a grip on us that would be somewhat difficult to stop if we wanted to.

Now, if I was walking down the street swinging my arms out from my chest doing my exercise and by mistake struck a passer-by in the face. The person struck likely would be furious and might start to beat on me. “Hey,” we might say, “is this not a free country; can a person not do their exercise on the street if they so wish too?” “Yes,” was the answer. “But remember where my nose begins your liberty ends.”

The apostle Paul’s way of answering that argument to the two of us would be to remind  us that he too had  many privileges which he himself had a perfect right to claim, but which he could not claim because that could turn out to be a stumbling-block to others.

You and I probably have come under criticism from some Christian folks because of our missionary methodology. It is one that might be described as an accommodation to help them grow in Christ. But we think of it, as adjusting our behavior for the sake of those we want to reach with the gospel… our goal should be winning souls for Christ and strengthening fellow believers. To win, those Christian legalists, who live under a ridged system of dos and don’ts. These folks might not grasp the meaning of their liberty in Christ. And so to free them we may have to submit to their righteous standards.

Because of the Apostle Paul’s self-control many under the law was brought above it to enjoy the full knowledge of Christ.

As a Christian we want to make sure that, we are careful so that we will not bring dishonor or hinder the work of Christ. People judge a message by the life and character of the messenger; meaning we should allow nothing in this life to contradict the message that we speak or do. Most of us have heard people say that they told their preacher, “I cannot hear what you are saying, because I know how you conduct yourself away from the church”. No one should ever say that of us.

We all know, and we all understand that eternal life is something that human effort cannot earn. The scriptures repeatedly emphasize that salvation is a gift of grace that can be received only by faith in Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, once we have received God’s gift, there is a place in the Christian life that requires human effort because the Bible tells us that faithfulness will be rewarded.

We know we have to discipline our mind and of course our behaviour. We cannot give in to every thought that comes our way, because in doing so there will be a spiritual hopelessness that will in the end, ruin our spiritual life. If a person is going to do their best work in any ministry, whether in a factory or church, then of course, our behavior must be disciplined… that means the whole person.

Perhaps we do that by facing life’s sorrows with calm endurance, its temptations with the strength God gives; Its disappointments with courage and enjoy the full knowledge of Christ and in the end we can truly say… “To God be the glory great things He has done”.

Would you pray this prayer with me …”Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that Peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.