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The letter written to the Corinthians was one that was needed. The people in Corinth were confused about what Believer’s Freedom was. Corinth was a place of perversion. During this era, one of the worst insults you could put on a father was to say “Your daughter is a Corinthian!” This implied she was immoral – in today’s slang – a slut. Being called a ‘corinthian’ was NOT a compliment.

So what is Believer’s Freedom that caused the Corinthians such problems? The most common things that come to mind are food and drink. Some are sensitive about what food they eat. Some are sensitive about alcoholic drinks. What Paul is trying to say is that if the things that are not wrong could possibly be perceived as wrong by a weak Believer then when you are with them – don’t do them. It has been my experience that consuming alcoholic drinks creates quite the stir amongst ‘church’ people. Is drinking a sin? No. There is no area of the Bible that teaches that drinking is a sin. Is getting drunk a sin? Yes. The Bible is very clear that drunkards are not looked upon favorably. So, if you are at a social event with either a weak (new) Believer or a non-believer and someone offers you a glass of wine, should you, as a mature Believer accept?

Sometimes it’s hard to know when to defer to the weak Believer. Paul gives a simple rule of thumb to help in making the decision. While such an action as drinking a glass of wine may not be wrong, it may not be in the best interest of others. While we have freedom in Christ, we shouldn’t exercise our freedom at the cost of hurting or adversely impacting a Christian brother or sister. We are not to consider only ourselves; we must be sensitive to others.

The primary focus for the Believer is to reflect God’s Glory! This should be the focus when what to eat, what to drink, what to say, how to act, etc. requires a decision. We need to always be aware that we do what we can to increase the Kingdom of God. I would love it if more Christian leaders and teachers would teach about the freedom we have in matters not expressly forbidden by Scripture. I know preachers who tell people they will go to hell for taking a drink or going to a movie or dancing – for crying out loud! I always respect God’s teachers but sometimes I just wanna stand up and say “Where do you get this!” David danced before the Lord! Jesus turned water to wine! Where do people get these things?

Think about this. How does the world see Jesus? I mean, how can the world visibly see and invisible God? The only way is through us. His is so gracious to let us, His Children, take part in His plan. A non-believer, who knows I am a Believer, watches me. They watch because they want to see if I do what I say I believe! All of a Believer’s actions should be motivated by God’s love so that all we do will be for his glory. If there is an action that we execute that does not glorify or honor God, then we need to step back, regroup, and go the other way!

Our physical bodies affect our spirits and likewise our spirit affects our bodies. We cannot commit sin with our bodies without damaging our souls because our bodies and souls are inseparably joined. Believer’s Freedom is a mark of the Christian faith. It is freedom from sin and guilt, freedom to use and enjoy what God gives us. But Christians should not abuse this freedom and hurt themselves or others. Drinking is not a sin but too much can lead to alcoholism; eating is not a sin but eating too much leads to obesity and related health problems; achieving wealth is not a sin but money can easily take God’s place in our lives. We must be careful that the freedoms God has allowed us to enjoy does not become into a trait that harms us and those around us.

- - - Mr. Joseph Mcklemurry received his Masters in Biblical Studies with Trinity Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana and is an ordained minister serving as a praise and worship leader with Beautiful Feet Church in Fort Worth, Texas.