Key Bible Verse: For we are each responsible for our own conduct (Galatians 6:5). Bonus Reading: Romans 15:1-7

There's always a risk that some will do things in excess. They may dance too provocatively or drink too much alcohol. Some people need to completely abstain from certain things—from alcohol to ice cream—because they're major stumbling blocks for them.

We must be honest with ourselves. If we're too immature or lacking in self-control to navigate with moderation in a particular area of our lives, abstaining may be necessary for us. But we shouldn't make everyone else pay for our weakness.

If you have to eat the whole pie because you can't stop after one piece, don't project that onto others. Folks around you should be able to enjoy a slice of pie without you freaking out. If you were a drunk and can't just have a beer without downing the keg, don't put that off on others either.

We do need to avoid causing a brother to stumble. However, one can avoid that danger by simply asking a fellow believer if drinking or dancing or whatever is a problem for him. If he says yes, then abstain in his presence because of your Christian love. But be careful of those who manipulate with this. Folks need to own their stuff.

—Ed Gungor in Religiously Transmitted Diseases

My Response: Who can I continue to love even while we live by different standards?

Thought to Apply: A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.—MARTIN LUTHER KING

Adapted from Religiously Transmitted Diseases (Nelson Ignite, 2006) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, make me aware of the cultural blinders I bring to your Word, and please keep me from becoming a modern Pharisee.

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