29-30But, except for these special cases, I'm not going to walk around on eggshells worrying about what small-minded people might say; I'm going to stride free and easy, knowing what our large-minded Master has already said. If I eat what is served to me, grateful to God for what is on the table, how can I worry about what someone will say? I thanked God for it and he blessed it! (The Message)
Just a few days ago we were reading Paul's words to pay attention to what other people think was right and wrong so that they would not fall into sin. Now here he is saying that he is going to do what he wants when we wants because he knows that God will not mind. So which is it going to be?
I think one of the keys here is the phrase small-minded people. There is a difference between someone who might be confused or led astray by ones actions and someone who thinks they know better what is right for you. A small minded person is one who believes they know what is right no matter what anyone else says or does. A small minded person is one who looks down upon others because they are not good enough or holy enough. Paul's encouragement to pay attention to what others might think and his unwillingness to let others dictate his actions can both be correct. The key here is in knowing why you might change your behavior. Is it to lead others toward Jesus or because someone might think less of you for what you do?
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- Do you think Paul ever worried about what others might think of his actions?
- Do you see God as a "large-minded Master"? How does that impact the way you act?
- If we are not to worry about what someone else might say are there things that we shouldn't do regardless of that?
- In what areas might you be seen as small-minded by others?
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