ACCUSED OF BEING A STUMBLING BLOCK
By Christine Wyrtzen
No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Psalm 25:3
I’ve been acquainted with numerous Christian organizations that wanted to legislate nearly every part of life. Admittedly, if someone listened to everyone who had an opinion about every peripheral issue of life, they’d be frozen in place. So many have something to say about everything.
Having lived in a fishbowl of some notoriety, I can tell you that others often study your life. With study comes criticism. Some is ludicrous, some is ignorant due to lack of information, and some is probably justified. Sifting through it though, and sorting out the hurt feelings that come from others’ comments, is difficult. Criticism usually comes from those with whom you have no personal relationship.
So, am I to adjust my behavior to every person who say they are offended by me? That can’t be the right answer because legalism will always be with us. So will honest seekers who stumble because we’re a forgiven, yet sinful, people.
I believe, for me, the answer lies in considering the one I am offending. If the spirit of legalism rules this person’s life, seeking to encroach upon the true spirit of liberty Jesus died to extend to His children, then I am not obligated to comply. I want to extend the grace of Christ Jesus to others so why would I take on a yoke that Jesus died to free me from?
But, if I encounter someone who is honestly seeking Jesus, one who loves the Word and is growing in his faith, but also one who stumbles over a particular thing I’m doing, I should consider his fragile faith and change my behavior. I am not to impede in any way what God is building.
For any of us who have walked out of the pit of legalism into the spacious place of grace, this can seem like a step backwards. It might feel like I am walking again in the bondage I left behind. It probably does feel like that but it is not like that. Look, I can’t sort this out without prayer and looking for the nod of my Savior over whether another’s issue with me is a valid one. If it is, Jesus will give me the grace to consider my brother even though it will take some time for my emotions, damaged by past experience, to catch up. Legalism will always be a tender spot for any of us who have been beaten up under its umbrella.
Who can sort it out? Only Your Spirit. I’m glad You’re in me, teaching me, making hard things clear. Thank you for the grace to obey when my feelings betray me. In Jesus name, Amen
For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org
Originally published Wednesday, 27 January 2021.
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