What Should I Do When Others Do Not Respect My Personal Freedoms In Christ?

Biblical solutions for the problems people face with personal freedoms?

Illustration: Dr. Henry Cloud’s most popular book Boundaries, teaches Christian how they can successfully set up borders that will shield them from being overwhelmed by abusive people, difficult circumstances or personal self-destructive behavior. It has sold more than 750,000 copies as it teaches believers how they can set limits that provide security that helps people flourish in their gardens.

1. Do not let other people squeeze you into their mold through man made rules, regulations and restrictions. Paul wrote, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Gal. 5 :1 )

2. Use your freedom in Christ to win and disciple as many people as possible. Paul wrote, "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." (I Cor. 9:19)

3. Do not let other people judge you by their personal standards. Paul wrote, "For why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience? If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?" (I Cor. 10:29,30)

Example: Paul wrote, "I care very little if you judge me. I do not even judge myself, for judgment is from the Lord." (I cor. 4:1-6)

4. Use your freedom not for selfish interests but to facilitate your service to others. Paul wrote, "You brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Gal. 5:13)

5. Do not use your freedom as a cover-up for secret sins. Peter wrote, "Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." (I Pet. 2:16)

6. Refuse to be mastered by anything except the Lord. Peter wrote, "They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity - for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him."(2 Pet. 2:19)

7. True freedom comes by following Jesus and doing His will. Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (Jn. 8:31,32)

8. Only Jesus gives true freedom. Every other kind of freedom is unsatisfying. Jesus said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (Jn. 8:36)

9. We have been set free from being slaves to our sinful human desires. Paul wrote, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." (Rom.6: 18)

10.The Holy Spirit gives us freedom from the cycle of sin, death and shame. Paul wrote, "For the power of the life giving Spirit and this power is mine through Christ Jesus - has freed me from the vicious circle of sin and death." (Rom. 8:2)

11.Consider the precious price that was paid for your freedom so you do not take it for granted. Paul wrote, "You were bought with a price, do not become slaves of men." (I Cor. 7:23)

12.Exercise self-control in keeping yourself free from the entanglements of sin. Paul wrote, "Keep yourself free from sin." (I Tim. 5 :22)

13.Do not fall into the trap of serving money rather than serving God. Paul wrote, "Be free from the love of money." (I Tim. 3 :3)

14.Respect everyone’s freedom to choose what is best. Paul wrote, "But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced." (Philemon 1:14)

Concluding Thought: As far as it is possible, be at peace with all men. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:19-21)