Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
"Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?" (v. 29)
We were in Beginning Theology class. Our godly professor was discussing attitude issues from a decidedly biblical perspective. Eloquently yet simply he talked about how attitudes influence others for good or for evil. In the course of his discussion, he described a certain attitude by saying, "It stinks."
An international student quickly remonstrated. "You said 'stinks.' In my country that is a swear word. Christians don't say that!"
Just as quickly our professor responded. "I'm sorry. I didn't know it would be offensive. I won't say it again." I spent many more college hours in that professor's classroom and do not recall him repeating that word again.
Was my theology professor in bondage to what others thought? Was he afraid to take a strong position for fear he would hurt someone? The answer is no on both counts. The professor was simply following biblical teaching about not offending a weaker brother or sister.
Is it wrong to say "stinks"? No. Not in most circumstances. But it is wrong to offend your brother. Deleting a word from your vocabulary or avoiding going somewhere that might cause a weaker fellow Christian to stumble or in countless other ways being considerate of others is the Christian way of living. (MDA)
Be considerate.
This devotional is the Sunday, November 17, entry of the September through November 2013 edition of Opening the Word. Order your copy today!
