We should be so outwardly focused as fully devoted followers of Christ that nothing we do will affect anyone in a negative way. As we know from what Paul shares in Chapter 7 verse 23, “God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world.”
We should be learning and growing daily and then working on ways to shine a light so people see Christ in us. Even when we know it’s not wrong to do something we must think of others before we act. This includes all areas of our walk, not just the ones we think it should. When we are out in public and the eyes are on us, how do we react? Do we say; I have worked hard to understand what Jesus did for me and I know what I can and cannot do. Or do we say Jesus sacrificed for me, I know what is good for me but I want to make sure I am living above reproach so if someone sees me they see Christ- like behavior.
Look at verse 11 which says, “So because of you superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed.” Just because something is alright to do doesn’t mean we should do it. As Christ followers we always have to be thinking of what we are doing and what we are saying.
Verse 12 says, “And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ.” It doesn’t say; you are right it’s not wrong, so get over it and grow up. It says if a weaker believer believes it is a sin then it should not be done. We have to man up and be the example always looking at what Jesus would do then live by the Spirit of God that is in us as our guide. Amen