Freedom to Surrender our Rights

Job 35, 36; 1 Corinthians 7-8

“Be careful, however; that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak…When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.”

1 Corinthians 8:9, 12

The paradox of freedom in Christ and willing submission of our rights strikes to the heart of discipleship. Paul’s concern about discretionary matters of conscience such as alcohol, entertainment, and culture, is we are not primarily discerning based on our own needs or wants but rather based on serving others and the Lord well. When we cause others to stumble in their faith by our exercise of freedom, we are sinning against Christ. Together, we are all part of Christ’s body. When one part of the Body’s freedom causes another part of the Body to stumble, all are affected. In cross-cultural communities where traditions, practices, and values differ, we must live with great humility, preferring others over ourselves as we choose how we will live, spend money, and invest our time. With greater maturity comes greater willingness to surrender our rights and freedoms for others.

“Lord Jesus, you surrendered all for me to show me the way, for your glory.”