Read 1 Corinthians 7-8
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 KJV
As Christians we often fall into one of two extremes: (1) some go the way of legalism restricting any form of liberty in the Christian life, they so separate themselves from everyone and everything else their testimony has no value because there are none around them to testify to; (2) others go the way of libertarianism removing all restrictions they become so like the world their testimony has no merit. Here, the Apostle Paul refers to the second approach and the harm it causes to other believers when Christian freedom is taken too far. There are activities which are permissible for some Christians but not for others due to weaknesses. To flaunt ones freedom before such is to set a stumbling block (a trap) before them, causing then to fall back into sin. Paul says when we do this we sin against Christ who died for them. To avoid such he was willing to set aside any freedom.
Lord, how dare I destroy for the sake of my freedom any fellow believer whom you sacrificed so much for! Help me be sensitive to those around me, and to make choices for their sake, not just mine.
A question to ponder: What are some activities you believe you have the freedom to enjoy but would willingly set aside for the sake of other believers?
