Recently I have been convicted of my Love Walk, and of how I view others. As a believer the reason I am here on earth is to bear the image of God, Love. If I have not Love, I have nothing. The goal of my instruction.... is Love. It is important that as a Christian, I don’t let “my right to do what I want” become more important than loving others. Love is selfless, it considers others above self. If I am to actually BECOME Love, I need to realize that what I do matters. It matters to God because it can have an affect on others. Do my actions point people to the Father? Is how I conduct myself pointing people to God? These are questions not to put you down, but to encourage you. It is important to ALWAYS go to the Word to see how we can answer these type of questions. People may tell you that it’s okay to do this, you can live a certain way, but the Word is very clear on how a believer should conduct themselves. If I want to mature in Christ, grow up into Him in all things, I need to let His word transform me inside and out. I want to challenge you with a question. Is it a sin to do _____? Many times the question shouldn’t be can I do this____. The question should be what is my heart’s motive. Paul gives great insight to us in 1 Corinthians. “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” I Corinthians 6:12 NKJV All things are lawful, okay for me to do, but not everything is helpful. Just because “I can” do something doesn’t mean I should. “Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 AMPC “It’s true that our freedom allows us to do anything, but that doesn’t mean that everything we do is good for us. I’m free to do as I choose, but I choose to never be enslaved to anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 TPT My witness to others is far more important than my personal freedom. When “my right” to do something is more important than my ability to love others, minister to others, be an image bearer, it is WRONG. “Only be careful that this power of choice (this permission and liberty to do as you please) which is yours, does not [somehow] become a hindrance (cause of stumbling) to the weak or overscrupulous [giving them an impulse to sin].” 1 Corinthians 8:9 AMPC Paul used an example in Chapter 8 of Corinthians of “food” that was offered to idols. He wrote specific to the time, and culture of the church in Corinth. He goes on to say later in the Chapter, “For suppose someone sees you, a man having knowledge [of God, with an intelligent view of this subject and] reclining at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged and emboldened [to violate his own conscientious scruples] if he is weak and uncertain, and eat what [to him] is for the purpose of idol worship? And so by your enlightenment (your knowledge of spiritual things), this weak man is ruined (is lost and perishes)–the brother for whom Christ (the Messiah) died! And when you sin against your brethren in this way, wounding and damaging their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if [my eating a] food is a cause of my brother's falling or of hindering [his spiritual advancement], I will not eat [such] flesh forever, lest I cause my brother to be tripped up and fall and to be offended.” 1 Corinthians 8:10-13 AMPC Apply that to our day.... Is it a sin to have a glass of wine? Is it a sin smoke? Is it a sin to use cannabis? Is it a sin to stay out late at someone who isn’t my spouses house? I believe that is the wrong question. As a believer, God’s grace is not a license for me to do whatever I want. His grace is His ability for me to become Love. I believe God is calling each of us to a higher place. A place to be more like him. A place where we lay aside those things which aren’t necessary, so that our witness to others may be seen bright. He called us out of darkness and into the light. He has set us apart from the world. My witness to others is far more important than me doing what I want. This isn’t written to put you down. I’m not bashing anyone. This also isn’t written for you to look at your spouse, friends or family, and see how THEY are could be wrong. This is for you! To build you up. I’m simply highlighting what Paul wrote, to encourage myself, and you to be EVERYTHING God has called us to be. Let's become Love this week. -With Love Tanner Gregurich
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AuthorsPosts by Tad Gregurich, Tanner Gregurich, Josh Egts & Amanda Gregurich. Archives
April 2020
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