“But suppose someone tells you, ‘This meat was offered to an idol.’ Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 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? I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.”
(1 Corinthians 10:28-29,33 NLT)
Our Faith is one defined by sacrifices. Jesus gave up his throne, gave up his glory, and gave up his life, just for us to be saved. The Apostles went through very uncomfortable circumstances to propagate the Gospel. We must always bear this in mind, so we don’t become believers of convenience.
Many times we need to consider giving up our rights and what we think we deserve if it is going to help further the cause of the Gospel or help save another person. It takes selflessness to do this, but this is what Christ expects from us. So while we are within our rights to do certain things, and our conscience permits us to do it, we must always consider what impact our words or actions could have on the lives of other believers, or even unbelievers that we ought to witness to. We must never become so occupied with ourselves and our own needs that we ignore the needs of the kingdom. Let us do what is best for others, as Christ did for us.
Prayer: Father, Please forgive me for every time I violated the conscience of a brother or sister in the faith. Help me to be sensitive, not to lure anyone to violate their conscience.
Chubie Ujah
(To access the entire “The Conscience” mini-series, please press here.)