24Aug16

1 Corinthians 10:29 NLT
It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person. For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks?

No Scripture is extensive in its coverage of every life situation. No book that I've read has revealed which way to vote in an election, whether saying "crap" is going to send me to hell, or whether we should legalize marijuana. Instead we are offered our conscience, as guided by the Spirit, to help us interpret and apply Scripture to our daily lives in this culture. Paul is dealing with that issue in the above passage. If I think that smoking is going to send you to hell does that mean you shouldn't smoke? What does the Bible say directly about the topic (this should always be the first question you ask)? Nothing? OK then... what does your conscience, based on your understanding of Scripture and the will of God, allow. That's the freedom that is offered through faith. For one person a tattoo may be the end of the world. Another person may have a full body tattoo. Does this reveal anything about their heart? I'm not advocating moral relativism here; there is right and wrong, black and white, good and bad in absolutes. However, let's major on the major things and minor on the minor things. Fighting over a brand of toothpaste, or color of the carpet, doesn't bring us closer to the Kingdom of God but, further away. Is your freedom limited to what someone else thinks or have you really given thought as to the truth of it in Scripture and how that applies to your life? If it is an issue for someone else do you judge them based on it? God looks to the heart. Be free in your faith and make every attempt to live at peace with one another.