Permissible but Beneficial?

What a great freedom we have... As disciples of Christ we have been liberated from the shackles that bound us.

Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 shares with the church at Corinth a powerful concept. in vs 23 & 24 he pens “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up. No one should seek his own good, but the good of the other person.

Paul goes on to argue that while meat sacrificed to idols is perfectly fine for them to consume because as believers they know well and good that there are no other gods for that meat to be sacrificed too but that if their consuming that meat were to cause a non-believer or someone weak in the faith to stumble then they should forsake eating meat all together. 

This is a hard concept for us today because we don't want to give up anything for anyone - our mindset is often if something I am doing bothers you get over it - but that is not what Paul is saying... Paul is saying that our religious freedom is not a weapon for us to wield against those around us - but that we are to go out of our way to share the love of Christ with those who are struggling. 

This does not mean that we are to compromise our morals or our ethics - this doesn't mean that we are to compromise our doctrine and theology - it does mean however that sometimes we need to stop and think about someone else first before we post a snide comment or picture on Facebook - will what I am about to post or share cause someone weaker in the faith or without faith to look poorly on Christ? 

Friends we are called to be a reflection of Christ to the world --- when the world looks at you are they seeing a clear image or is it like they are looking in a carnival mirror, seeing a warped and distorted view of the Gospel? 

Paul closes this chapter out by saying: 
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory. Give no offense to the Jews or the Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, so that they may be saved."

Think about that today...