Love means everything matters to God

Taking it deeper

1. The following are hypothetical examples of adiaphora. With each of them, describe what someone might say or do if he were focused on personal freedom (i.e. "my rights"). Then describe what one might say or do if he were thinking about Christian freedom.

a. In a congregation open forum, members are discussing whether or not to implement a service done in a more contemporary style: pianos, guitar, light percussion.

Answer—If someone was focused on personal freedom/rights, they would only think about their personal preferences. They will champion one style of worship or another for no other reason that it is what they like.

One who is focused on Christian freedom will ask a series of questions that will focus on others, not himself. "What type of accompaniment would serve the Gospel well in our congregation, helping people to focus on the Gospel promises contained in the texts?" "Would adding a contemporary service cause any of our members to sin against their conscience if they (erroneously) thought that worshiping to percussion was inappropriate?" If so, more education is necessary. The one who is focused on Christian freedom makes those things a much higher priority than his personal preferences.

b. A teacher has assigned one of the popular Harry Potter books as a reading assignment for her 7th grade class. A parent confronts the teacher: "It's wrong for our children should not be reading books about wizards!"

Answer—If the teacher were focused on his "rights" he could become upset that someone else has infringed upon his right to education the children in the way he feels is best. He could point out that the Bible forbids witchcraft, but doesn't expressly forbid reading a story about magical creatures, which is pure fantasy.

If the teacher were focused on Christian freedom, he'd thank the parent for their concern, and then lovingly explain why he didn't see any harm in choosing a popular book. But he'd also likely refrain from using that book again in the future, out of loving concern of leading someone to sin against their conscience.

c. Three friends are at the movies. Two of them want to see an action-adventure flick that is rated PG-13. The third friend feels uncomfortable about the fact that the movie will have swearing in it.

Answer—It would not be inherently wrong to see a movie with swearing in it. Thus, if the two friends who want to see the action flick are thinking of "freedom" in political terms, then the majority wins. It's democratic. They see the PG-13 movie, because that is what most want to do.

If they are thinking of Christian freedom in terms of love, then they avoid any movie that gives their friend any moral reservations.