Nike tells us “Just Do It,” or Diet Coke’s campaign suggests “Like what you like” and “Life is short.” American culture believes we can do whatever we want, whenever we want. Self-reliant, self-sufficient, independent are words proudly used to describe our society. We wear them like badges of honor. We don’t believe in breaking the laws, but we will advocate changing any of them that interfere with our choices to do anything we desire. Many in the world would love to have our freedoms.
1 Corinthians 8:9 “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
But, are we free to do what we want or are there consequences to our actions? For example, if I eat only junk food because I love it, how will such a diet affect my health? If I play computer games all day at my job instead of doing my work, will my company consider firing me? Just like Newton’s third law of motion, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” In other words, for every action we take, there is some reaction that occurs around us, and we don’t always consider how our actions impact others.
Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
As Christians, can we do whatever we want as long as we don’t sin in the process? The Apostle Paul addresses this issue in the tenth chapter of 1 Corinthians. Paul starts the discussion in verse 23, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial.” Just like with American society, everyone is watching our freedoms. And Paul understood how our actions might impact those around us. 1 Corinthians 10:24 continues with these instructions, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” The Christians must be aware of how our behaviors look to others. Paul takes the rest of chapter 10 to outline this principle by discussing the issue of his time of eating food sacrificed to gods. He concluded by stating it is not a sin to eat sacrificed foods, but if you do and it causes someone around you to stumble, then it is wrong. A modern take on the topic might be that the Bible does not prohibit us from drinking, but if our drinking causes another to sin, then we should we drink with them?
[bctt tweet=”As Christians, can we do whatever we want as long as we don’t sin in the process?”]
Luke 13:24 “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.”
[bctt tweet=”The Christians must be aware of how our behaviors look to others.”]
It is difficult for us to think we can’t live our lives like the rest of society. In Matthew 7:14, God understood the struggled when he told us; “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” God’s grace saves us from our sins, but we must also live to a higher standard than those around us. We are free in Christ but not free to do anything we want.
[bctt tweet=”God’s grace saves us from our sins, but we must also live to a higher standard than those around us. We are free in Christ but not free to do anything we want.”]
Blessings,
Yvonne – #blogger, #speaker, and #author
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
My pastor preached on this very thing a couple weeks ago. We have an amazing freedom as Christians, and a great responsibility with it.
So true and yet we forget it so often. Thanks for commenting
You use the word standards–a word few seem to understand today. An unchanging, immovable mark. A standard. Instead, the world speaks of values. Values shift and move. The value of a dollar flexes, but a mile is a mile, and a cup is a cup. And standards in Christianity remain.
I did not think of that but you are so right about no one understanding standards anymore. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Oh, I love this post! It’s so true – even though we are free to so many things it doesn’t mean they’re right or healthy or a blessing to others. I wonder if that’s part of what Jesus means when he says we should love our neighbors? You’ve given me a lot to think about…
Glad it made you think about our freedoms. Thanks for your thoughts
This is great insight! I love how you point to the fact that we can’t just do what we want: There are consequences. I suppose people would say you can still do what you want, you’ll just have to deal with those consequences, but as Christians we’re called to something higher. Great post!
Thanks for your comments Emily
Great message. We are blessed to be His. We should show His love and bless others. 🙂
Thanks Melissa
It’s true – we do have freedom. I think though if we have really decided to follow Christ, to love and honor him then we won’t try to push the limits of our freedom. Instead we will desire to be holy as He is holy.
It’s good to remember that just because it’s legal, doesn’t mean it’s beneficial. I think the world tends to think that way. I think your relating meat sacrificed to idols to alcohol use is right on. Maybe I can handle having one drink – but if I start pouring in front of an alcoholic – that’s certainly not loving!
Great thoughts on the subject and I appreciate you sharing
This truth is often missing from our national dialogue – yet again, that concept of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. We want to do, eat, drink, act in any way we want without considering how it impacts our fellow man. My husband and I are facing a decision with my aged parents which will have an impact on my siblings and our children. We want to honor my parents and obey the Lord, knowing that right action impacts those who watch our lives. More people in our culture used to be aware of the need to “set a good example” of obedience to God. The farther we drift away from the Lord, the less concern for others. Lord, please reach our hearts on this matter of love and obedience!
Amen and praying for your decision regarding your parents Melinda
Amen, Yvonne. We certainly can abuse our freedom in Christ. Using it for other purposes than it was intended. I like how Priscilla Shirer describes it in “Discerning the Voice of God.” I’m paraphrasing but she says to cause someone to stumble or harm the cause of Christ always trumps our freedom.
That is great wisdom you shared. Thanks Karen
Dear Yvonne!
I like your characterisation of the American culture at the beginning of your blog post.
After reading your blog post, I was thinking about the example of a dragon. The dragon can only fly if its string limits it; being a Christian is the same, we get the most out of life by living life walking with Christ.
Thanks!
Edna Davidsen
Thanks Edna, love the visual of the dragon. Good analogy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on my post