There comes a time in the life of every Christian when he or she will wonder whether a particular activity is sinful or not. This often occurs when we confront situations that the Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid or condone.
I faced that dilemma many times in my walk with Christ. For example, some friends asked me to do hookah with them, and I didn’t know if it would be a sin if I did it just once to be social. Since the Bible was silent on it these kinds of matters, I deferred to other Christians, older in their faith, and hopefully wiser to tell me what to do (by that I mean google).
But as I grew in my faith, I realized that exercising our Christian liberty isn’t always black and white.
First, even though some activities are not sinful, it doesn’t mean we should do them. Secondly, depending on personal conviction by the Holy Spirit, somethings might be sinful for one person, but not for another. (Please note that I am not referring to explicit or strongly implied biblical commands.)
Thankfully, God provided some principles in His Word to help us make wise decisions and exercise our Christian liberty responsibly. And we can find it in 1 Corinthians 10:23-31.
Paul wrote his first epistle to the Corinthians to address a multitude of problems happening in the church of Corinth. One such issue was the division of Christians regarding food sacrificed to pagan gods. Jewish Christians believed Christians shouldn’t eat such foods, while the non-Jewish Christians thought it was okay.
Consequently, Paul wrote our selected text to instruct both parties on how to handle such issues and gave three guiding principles to exercise our Christian liberty.
Principle 1, it must edify us.
1 Corinthians 10:23 says, “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up.”
All things are lawful was a common saying in the church of Corinth. Since they were free, the Corinthians believed they could indulge in all their bodily cravings. But Paul didn’t think so. He had even previously made the same remarks about a different issue in 1 Corinthians 6:12. And in both cases, Paul argued that although some things were permissible, they were not helpful nor edifying.
So even if the Bible doesn’t call an action a sin, it doesn’t mean it won’t harm us. Moreover, it must also edify us. Edification is critical in a Christian’s life, as we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18). And Paul said numerous times in his letters to do all things for our edification.
So ask yourself, will this thing build me up in the Lord? Will it add anything to my life? Will it improve my spiritual walk? If the answer is no, stop there. If yes, go on to the next principle.
Principle 2, it must be for the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:24 says, “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience.”
People saw the Corinthians eating food that had been sacrificed to idols, and it caused them to question the faith. It could have been unbelievers who believed Christians ought to abstain from such foods, or Christians, young in the faith whose conscience did not permit such things.
Whichever the case, Paul instructed the Corinthians to consider how it will affect others. If eating sacrificed foods to idols offended others, even though it wasn’t wrong, they should refrain from doing it.
For us, it means that even if we are free to do something, if it causes a brother or sister to stumble, we must not do it out of love. Jesus said to love our neighbors as ourselves. Putting the needs of others above ours shows love. And since love edifies, both parties will win.
So ask yourself, will my actions bring offense to others? Will it give them an occasion to sin? Or make them falter in their spiritual walk? If the answer is yes, and it can affect a weaker Christian, but their well being first, and sacrifice your liberty for them.
Principle #3, do it all for God’s glory
1 Corinthians 10:31-32 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.”
The glory of God is the end goal of everything we do. I think if you honor the first two principles, it will glorify God. But still, examine yourselves and ask, will my actions honor God or be a reproach to Him? Will it make others see the glory of Christ in me, or will it give Him a bad reputation?
When God is glorified through us, we can be a stepping stone that will lead others to Christ, instead of a stumbling block that will hinder them. As Paul said, “just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.’”
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13 NKJV
With liberty comes responsibilities. God has given us freedom in this life, but it isn’t so we can indulge in anything because we are under grace. So let’s make sure our actions edify us, help others grow in their faith, enables non-believers to come to Christ, and bring glory to God.
