The Liberty of the Christian, 4

The Gospel is mighty to change people's lives -- and it does so in very context and culture of the world.  It is not bound to a particular culture -- converted people do not all wear coats and ties.  But whatever fruit it bears looks like godliness -- the fruit of the Spirit, a pursuit of holiness. 

So -- you are to reach your concientious position before God and live by it -- but not impose it on others by judgment or despising -- you are not to hold people in suspicion who disagree with you -- you are NOT to keep them at arms length. 

So -- let me ask you a question -- how many godly Christians do you hang out with who are different than you?  Are your friends all Republicans? all one ethnic group?  all dress the same way?  all home schoolers?  all public schoolers?  all wealthy?  That is the test. 

Let me offer a few thoughts in this subject to close out this set of posts:

1. Liberty is not as simple as we think -- there are many questions to ask.  I may feel liberty to watch a lot of TV or go to movies -- but I must also ask how I will give account of my time?  I am to "redeem the time" and that means using it well for the glory of God.  I may feel liberty to drink alcohol, but what if I am in a libertine culture -- do I fit in or stand out?  I am not trying to asking leading questions -- but these are all questions to be addressed.
2. Making moral issues of everything serves no one -- there are people who endlessly want to ask, "Is this OK?" -- those discussions will take over life and that brother or sister needs encouragement to trust God and not be self-focused.  We need the help of others to see if that is what we tend to do.  We can end up so imbalanced.  Paul had no trouble saying one kind of Christian was "weak" -- and needed help and encouragement.
3. The issue of not stumbling someone is situational not universal.  It is a question that is asked when I am with specific people -- not a matter of church policy. 
4. Liberty is especially important in dealing with the lost -- how I exercise my liberty can help them see the real issues of the Gospel.

There is a difficult balance here.  It is so tempting as pastors to push our people to a certain set of conclusions in the name of guarding holiness -- or to keep the door so open no one ever reaches a conclusion.  Neither of these is godly. 

Lead people to be responsible before God -- to put to death the fear of man and pride that may lead us to a false position (just to fit it) or a judging position. 

Lead people to embrace other believers as God has embraced them -- if they are in Christ and seeking to walk with him in a good conscience, then they are to be welcomed fully -- with no additional convictions.

Lead people to pursue holiness together -- to encourage each other's faith.