The Christian controversy of freedom versus restraint is nothing new. The early church struggled to find the right balance. As we’ve seen in the past few weeks on these pages, it was a significant part of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. How do we determine what we should or shouldn’t do?
Paul summarizes in 1 Corinthian 10:23- 11:1. “All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up.” (1 Corinthians 10:23, NASB 2020) He then lays out a hypothetical situation which again concerns meat sacrificed to idols. The key part of those verses is not only the concerns of our own conscience but also the conscience of others. This is where things get controversial.
As followers of Jesus, we constantly have choices about how to respond to those with no faith, weak faith, or different faith. Do we shun, avoid, and judge them? Do we shout and shame them because of their behavior? Do we go along or walk apart? We know what we want to do, but what should we do?
Paul answers that question in the final verses of this section. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God. Do not offend Jews or Greeks, or the church of God; just as I also please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but the benefit of the many, so that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1, NASB 2020) The word translated “offend” means to place stumbling blocks in the way. Oh, but that is tricky, and we need the wisdom, guidance, and discernment of the Holy Spirit to get this right.
I know a man who was open to Christ but had a huge stumbling block placed in his path by a Christian. This man was living with his girlfriend when a Christian woman he worked with harshly and repeatedly gave him a hard time about it. Sure, the man was living in sin. But judging him and declaring his sin didn’t draw him to Christ; it put a stumbling block in his way—one that I encountered later on and tried, with some success, to remove. I can give you many examples where good-intentioned legalism killed someone else’s faith in Christ.
Paul instructs us to look towards what is best for the other person, which will open the door to faith in Christ and not put stumbling blocks in the way. We should not seek our own benefit but the benefit of others so they may find Christ. But I must confess, that is easier said than done.
I must balance one thing that Paul says. In this letter, he says, “I also please everyone in all things.” We must be careful, however, that we don’t make others (either individuals or groups) into idols. The balance is found in Galatians, “For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, NASB 2020) While we must be mindful of others, we must always please God first.
Perhaps you’ve heard of Occam’s Razor. It is a rule of logic that says that when presented with multiple possibilities or solutions, the simplest one is most often the right one. In a sense, Paul provided followers of Christ with a razor to determine the right path to take in moments of controversy. Do all things for the Glory of God without placing stumbling blocks in anyone’s way. Prayerfully do that; it is the highest expression of our freedom in Christ.
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- Corinthian Controversies: Freedom’s Restraint - April 17, 2024
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