Freedom without offence
But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
The Lord hears when I call to him. Psalm 4:3
Read Romans 14:13—21
The principle is clear enough, but how does it apply to me? In Christ I have freedom. I am freed from finding my own way to God, especially through earnest religious practice. In Paul’s time there were ritual issues about foods: foods devoted to pagan gods, foods unclean to the Jews, meal time cultic washing rituals, acceptable and unacceptable guests at table. Meals were hedged about. I’d ask, am I free to eat now? Well, Jesus is my freedom, my access to God. Even to my neighbour. I’m free. But I’m also to love. I’m not free to confuse and offend people who just don’t get it. In my era it won’t usually be the food thing that will cause issues. I’ll discover my issue when someone says, ‘But I thought you were supposed to be a Christian!’ When my actions at least puzzle someone else the conversation that flows from that will be all important, and may even open opportunities to explain the Gospel.
Loving God, I think tonight about the freedom with which Christ has set me free. I think of those I have met this very day who do not know Christ as freedom. Many of my friends think of him as an outsider and an unwelcome intruder. I live my life among people who have expectations of my faith, some of them helpful for me to hear, some superstitious, some that make me wonder why they believe what they believe at all. Yet in Christ you have made me your loved child, and as your child I have a wonderful freedom to explore. May I have your Spirit’s leading in my conversations, that all I engage with may be exposed to you in love.