Rejoice:

Read:

³ Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. ⁴ This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. ⁵ We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

There is always someone looking to take away the freedoms you have in Christ. There’s always someone who is involved in church, leadership, or some form of connection with you that will look for reasons as to why you CAN’T do things. Or those very people may be looking for something you need to be doing. You’ve heard it before “if you’re a christian why aren’t you doing this,” or after you do something they say “you’re a christian?” Ideally you shouldn’t be in a situation where what you are doing doesn’t reflect Christ, but you cannot others to dictate what is and isn’t appropriate (unless they are basing it on Scripture).

Unfortunately there are so many people who are either jealous of what you have or despise it and want to ruin it. With that you will likely receive input from all around you, including church. You have to be consistent with your walk and making sure “the truth of the gospel might be preserved.”

The Gospel should be the centerpiece to why you’re changing things. If you are doing something and it clearly impedes you from being able to share the Gospel properly, then stop. However, if someone is simply attacking your life they likely aren’t looking for someone to share the Gospel. Evaluate the input on your life. Measure it with your ability to share the Gospel. Make changes if necessary.

 

Respond:

God help me to be aware of when people are trying to take away my freedom versus You instructing me through them. Let me be humble enough to make changes but confident enough to know when what is said may not be accurate. Help me to respond in love and not cause strife for others. Amen.

Relate:

Though we spoke about others judging you, there are often times when we judge others. If you know someone close to you that you were trying to change, that you were trying to be the Holy Spirit for, why not fix that? Everything we do has to be compelled by Christ and the Gospel. If you are judging another believer just because they are doing things that don’t line up with your point of view you are doing it wrong. If you are jealous that they are enjoying things Christ has called you not to do, that’s not grounds for you to start judging. Keep a close eye on your evaluation of others and the foundation for your point of view. Additionally, remind your friends and family that many people seek to take our freedom! We must stand firm on Scripture and live according to it, using it as our guide.