Concern For Others...

However, true Christianity does discourage a self-centered disregard for
thoses around us..
The apostle Paul watched closely every feature of his life and conduct
in order to avoid stumbling others..
He said in his letter to the congregation at Corinth:
" In no way are we giveing any cause for stumbling,
that our ministry might not be found fault with,"
{ Corinthians 6:3 }

Sometimes, we must control our personal desires and put the need
of others above our own preferences..
For example, Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome :
" It is well not to eat flesh or to drink wine or do anything over which
your brother stumbles."
{ Romans 14:21 }
Similarly today , a person may choose to refrain from consuming alcohol
in the presence of one who has a problem controlling his drinking.
{ Corinthians 10:23,24 }

This is done , not out of a compulsion to conform,
but as a noble act of kindness and love..
" Even the Christ did not please himself..
" Jesus was an individual , but he did not assert his preferences at the expense of others' feelings..
{ Romans 15:13 }

Still, one of the most refreshing aspects of true Christianity is it's respect
for individual freedoms and preferences within the bounds of the Bible guidelines..

It teaches that God made us to be distinct and unique..
At 1 Corinthians 2:11 , we read:
" Who among men knows the things of a man except the spirit of man
that is within him ? "

We try to understand others as much as possible..
But this verse implies that we each have a uniqueness understood
only by ourselves and our Creator..

We have a " secret person of the heart " that we reveal as we choose.
{ 1 Peter 3:4 }