We are living in an era when freedom and rights are affirmed widely for individual choices. Many persons make choices in this or that direction not because the choices are right or thought through, but because the right to act freely is present. We do not always think through reasons to do this or that, or desist in doing this or that – we do it because it is a right to do or refrain. It is known, for example, that many demonstrators in confrontations for real or alleged rights, especially among young cavaliers, are present and engaged not with any idealism other than to be a part of a dramatic event that may even cost them their lives – a matter they feel they can avoid by taking some precautions. So commonly does this occur that when demonstrations do arise, the authorities attempt to find out if it is organized and unified or scattered in motivation to rise or fall depending upon the degree of unity and commitment found in the demonstrators, and if the participants are true to the area. The Apostle Paul was not so concerned with events, but in the integrity of honest motives in them – in persons both Christian or non-Christian.
The Apostle argues that free Christians determine and live by their convictions, but that they live by other guidelines than do others in different orientations, All must act with personal integrity. We are guided by morality, and that morality is basically found in the mind of God that anything we do should be directed toward the good of both ourselves and others – so to honor God in his creation. If the doing is competitive to the personal good for self, and doubtful for the good of others, the affirmation (the conduct) comes down for good to others. This is accented in several ways. I may not find it objectionable to enjoy wine at a meal, well enjoyed in the principle of moderation, but if I am engaged with persons who object to any use of a fermented or alcoholic liquid, I ought to avoid use for self. It is my informed duty to evade the beverage so to be faithful to the ministry of Christ to the group. Especially is this practice to be applied if the group, Christian or otherwise, interprets the practice to be negative to their perception of what good people do. It becomes a spiritual matter when the interpretation falls on Christ as a negative meaning for his people. This is all a part of our service to others, and implies that we are knowledgeable of both what Christ expects of us and what others presume our conduct ought to be, given our claims relative to right and wrong with God and mankind. Jeremiah illustrated our analogy in his prophecy – Chapter 35:1-18.
The Apostle is addressing the large meaning of effect. What is the purpose and effect of what I do? My purpose is to represent Jesus Christ as a model of his plan and will for mankind that is summarized in righteousness. In the text for this day, I am reminded that part of that representation is to avoid any misrepresentation, or perception, to the degree possible, of any perceived outcome. The virtue is not in the thing, but in the person in demonstration of conduct related to the point. This takes humility, a factor God considers highly in his evaluation. God adapts, sometimes at inconvenience to himself. We understand that inconvenience is a part of spiritual context and we also adapt to the context for purposes. I ought to be able to deny myself this or that for the benefit, even in the context of follies, from or for others, so to keep the focus of the main matter for mankind – spiritual. God offers award for our inconvenience. Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8 – RSV)
We fail often in this understanding. I have seen it in families, especially in parenting, but even contexts when family adults are in fellowship – or supposed to be. I find the most objectionable when Christian leaders violate the humility and perceptions of Jesus Christ in not showing proper deference to others. He did what he did, so that they might proceed in whatever direction they might choose, without losing his love and consideration for them. He made sure that his emphasis on the factors of redemptive life in God’s kingdom should be claimed by anyone who cared to seek it. He could have called legions of angels to play the human game and win, but he disdained that for mankind – so to life and freedom forevermore. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020