Witness | What’s for Dinner?
Our culture shouts, “Do what makes you happy.” God calls us to spiritual maturity. Devoted disciples learn to think beyond themselves. Everyday moments—meals, conversations, and decisions—are opportunities for gospel influence—to be an Ambassador for Christ.
The question isn't just, “Is this lawful?” but, “Is it helpful? Does it build up others?” Four critical tests help us live as intentional witnesses.
The Influencer & Ambassador Tests
As Christ’s ambassadors, we represent Him in every room we enter. Our freedom is never just about what we can do; it’s about how our choices shape those around us. True influencers leverage their personal liberty to pursue the good of their neighbors, ensuring that our lives reflect Christ’s heart rather than our own preferences.
The Conscience Triage Test
Your conscience is the internal court where the Holy Spirit applies truth. But Paul gives us a challenge: sometimes, you must lay down your rights for the sake of someone else’s conscience. The Spirit empowers us to surrender our preferences without compromising our values so we can serve people and share the gospel. When navigating differences, we must prioritize what matters most:
Critical: First-order doctrines and clear biblical mandates. (Principles)
Serious: Second-order key conscience issues. (Practices)
Minor: In-house differences that make life interesting. (Preferences)
If a minor freedom (preference) causes a brother or sister to stumble, love demands we set it aside.
theMission Test
“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Our ultimate goal is to remove unnecessary stumbling blocks so that others can see Jesus. Your choices can reflect Christ in a way that moves people closer to salvation, or that blocks their view. theMission Test helps us keep our callings as Ambassadors in the forefront of every relationship.
Reflection
To apply this to your week, ask yourself:
The Influencer Check: Is there a personal freedom I hold onto that might hinder someone else’s spiritual growth?
The Ambassador Check: Have I sacrificed living by critical biblical principles to gain relational peace? Have I demanded personal preferences and hindered someone’s view of Christ?
The Mission Check: How have you helped people see Christ through the conversations you have about the principles you try to live and the preferences you willingly surrender?
