CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 990

“Responsibility”

“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. (1 Corinthians 10:23, Berean Study Bible)

A couple of new ‘old’ subjects have recently resurfaced on social media with strong, passionate opinions expressed from both sides of the issues. The subjects have to deal with appropriate attire in church and whether or not professing Christians should drink alcoholic beverages.

As I read the opinions and referenced articles and blogs it dawned on me that we are approaching the answer to these issues from a self-centered and selfish perspective. To paraphrase the foundational root of the arguments:

“I am not responsible if a man lusts and sins because of the way I dress in church or anywhere else. It is up to him to control himself.”

“I should not be denied a cocktail or a beer just because someone who cannot handle alcoholic beverages may see me or is with me at the time.”

Yes. It is true that everyone is responsible for their own sin. The soul who sins shall die… The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. (Ezekiel 18:20)

It is equally true that when we choose our attire for church or any other occasion we do so with an eye as to how others will see us. Will I attract attention and compliments? Do I convey power and confidence with this suit and tie combination? And so on.  Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly. (1 Timothy 2:9, NASB) This Scripture applies equally to men.

Cain asked God a rhetorical question, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ The answer is yes, we are our brothers’ and sisters’ watchman. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. (Romans 14:21)

As Christian’s we are to live a lifestyle that worships God. Worship is not a 30 minute event that only occurs on Sunday mornings. We are to worship and glorify God in all that we do, wherever we do it, twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week.

We are to bring Glory to God in how we dress at the beach, at work, and at church. We are to decide how to act and behave based upon Christ’s love, care and concern for the spiritual well-being for those around us. Jesus has set us free from the letter of the law. That freedom however brings a responsibility to act sacrificially and selflessly in love so that we do not cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble. (see 1 Corinthians 8:10-13)

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)