Freedom in my Proper Perspective

There are many issues which are greatly debated regarding Christian living. From what movies Christians should watch to what it is permissible to eat or drink to which extra-curricular activities are allowed and disallowed. To be clear, I am not speaking about things that scripture clearly condemns. I am talking about issues of preference, culture, or even conviction. After all, Paul says, "Everything is permissible for me — but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me — but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Cor. 6:12) He then rephrases the idea this way a few chapters later, "Everything is permissible — but not everything is beneficial. Everthing is permissible — but not everything is constructive." (1 Cor. 10:23) So as Christians we have tremendous freedom.

As I have read, prayed through, and meditated on Romans 14 and 15 this week I have been challenged to view my freedom in perspective. Firstly, is the matter of conscience. Romans 14:14 says "...but if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong." And if verse 23, "...If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning." We must understand that personal freedom cannot usurp personal conviction. Though matters of conscience are just that, when we choose to violate our conscience, we have not stepped into Biblical freedom but into the very Biblical definition of sin.

Secondly, I must see my freedom in light of those who view me experiencing my freedom. Culture plays a large part in this. We must understand our freedom in the cultural context of those we live among. There are those among us who would argue that what we view as freedom is a sin. How then are we to handle this issue? "Don't tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember all foods are acceptable but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there's nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself an God. Blessed are those who don't feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right." (Romans 14:20-22)

When we are among believers who hold different views of our freedoms we refrain from that particular freedom. We refrain because we love Christ and we love our brothers and sisters. However, if we feel strongly that a certain thing is wrong, but our brother or sister feels freedom to practice the activity — provided it is not expressly forbidden by scripture — we should give them room to experience their freedom without our protest. "Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don't. And those who don't eat certain food must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them." (Romans 14:3)

It is not our place to bring conviction or freedom to another's life. That role belongs to the Holy Spirit alone. It is our role to honor Christ with our freedoms and convictions. "For we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." (Romans 14:7-8) "May God, who gives this patience and encouragement help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus." (Romans 15:5)

Theater Thoughts

Right now I am sitting at the movie theater. It is, for the most part a normal experience. However, it is within this atmosphere that I see a need to help some our communities young men. So here are my thoughts in no particular order...

- the cute girl you feel the need to shout at and embarass as she walks in... Yeah that's probably why she is not here with you.

- It's great that you are excited about the movie but dressing up as the movies characters does make the movie better, nor does it make you look cool.

- Parking lots are for cars not close dancing and romancing.... Seriously, she deserves better than that if she is willing to be here with you.

- Cat calls and whistling are not appropriate, especially when you work for the theater.

- Just because she is sitting alone doesn't mean she is here alone. Girls, especially pretty girls, do not go to the movies alone... Now that big man wants you to get out of his seat

Just some thoughts.

Borrowed Beliefs

I recently heard John Maxwell say, "Borrowed beliefs have no power." I have been thinking about that statement and can't help but wonder if many of us hold to powerless faith because we are only borrowing our beliefs. If it is true that belief affects behavior, then many of us do not really believe what we profess because our actions do not align with our beliefs.

Most of us have established a moral code by which we live. We make choices, many times, based on this belief system which distinguishes right and wrong. The problem comes when right conflicts with convenience. When what is right ceases to be convenient for us, often times we choose wrong. By choosing wrong — be lying, cheating, stealing, whatever — we may better our position, avoid trouble, or even help someone else, but on a soul level, we communicate to the watching world and to ourselves, our beliefs are negotiable. I don't own what I believe.

In the book of Acts, there is a story of a man named Steven. Steven had the guts to stand before a group of angry and powerful men and declare what he believed to be true. When their angry grew to violence toward him, he did not back pedal or qualify his beliefs. He stood in the face of violent men and continued to communicate — with his words and his actions — that he believed what espoused so deeply, that it was unshakeable. Steven died because he owned his belief and it could not be changed.

Do we believe anything so strongly that we would die before we let it go? Or is our integrity sacrificed on the altar of convenience? Do we own our beliefs or are they just borrowed?

Happy Father's Day

I have been fortunate to have many great men influence my life. My own father has been an example of what it means to love your children through hard times in life, sacrificing ones own comfort to provide for those you love and care for. For that I am eternally grateful. I pray that I am able live up to the example he has set out for me in that way.

I learned from my dad the value of time spent. He taught me to throw a baseball, to duck walk down the cereal aisle, and how important taking care your family is.

I'm thankful for my dad. I am also thankful for the men of God that have spoken into my life.

1 Corinthians 4:14-15 reads: "I do not write these things to same you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.

It is with this verse in mind that I say thank you to men like Pastor Todd Pope and Pastor Rick Gannon who have been the greatest influences in my life. They have been examples of Pastors, husbands, fathers, and men of God. I am honored that they took interest in me and invested their lives in me.