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Friday, December 14, 2018

Tripping

“God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a Christian still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track.” (1 Corinthians 8:9 MSG)

I can go to a party where alcohol is being served and leave sober. However, if I am with a friend who has had issues with alcohol in the past, that environment might be harmful for her. Thus, I would skip that party. I can go to a casino and walk out without gambling. Nonetheless, it would be unwise to be there with someone who finds gambling tempting. As an able-bodied person, I can go up and down stairs easily, but if I were traveling with a person who uses a wheelchair, I would try to find places that are accessible to people with disabilities.

We each have the freedom to make choices that we deem right. At the same time, it would be good to avoid actions that trip up another person morally or spiritually. Developing an awareness of our own strengths and weaknesses takes maturity. Most of us eventually learn to avoid triggers that are likely to get us off track. It takes even more attentiveness to recognize what may snag  those around us. Making accommodations for the frailties of others requires compassion. If you have been gifted with sight, be kind and remove the obstacles that may trip up those who are blind.  

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