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)