Legalism Versus Grace - Part Two

And then, there are the children raised in homes where grace is abused. You may not recognize these kids as easily as the ones who grew up in legalism. These kids will look much like the rest of the lost world we live, worldly. Only their worldliness has "Christian" attached to it. They still go to church and worship with others in their relevant places that are cool to be pumped up for Christ. But they also drink alcohol freely, because they can. They get tattoos, because they can. They smoke and go to hookah bars, because they can. They are "free in Christ" and they do it all. But just because they can, does that mean they should? And does it have to be so "in your face" just because they can?

Where's the balance between legalism and grace abusers? How do we live and teach our children to love the Law of God and be properly thankful for grace? One thing I know is example, we must model to our children obedience to the Law of God and civil authorities. There is no more need to drive five over the the speed limit than there is to "fib" on your taxes. Both are wrong, both break the law and both are a sin against our Holy God. That's obeying the law.

How can we keep from abusing grace and practice our liberties in Christ? Scripture addresses grace abusers. 

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? Romans 6:1

It is sin that says we can do anything we want to do and that it doesn't matter who it offends. Activities that can cause others to stumble or profane the name of Christ must be done with discretion and wisdom. Study Romans chapters thirteen and fourteen and see for yourself. I'm the last person who would tell you not to get a tattoo. I don't think it's wise and I will try not to make any judgements on who you are as a person because you did. I just think that it could be very offensive to some people and it isn't necessary as a Christian.

Years ago, a "good" Christian would never be caught playing cards, going to a theater, or dancing, yet all of those things are completely acceptable now. In fifty years, will getting a tattoo be the same? Maybe, but right now, in the culture we live, it isn't among everyone. (Yes, I know on the college campus it is, but most of the world doesn't live on a college campus.) So why push it? Why the need to be so "out there"? We don't help the weaker Christian by pushing our freedoms, and we don't prove ourselves the stronger Christian by flaunting them.

All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up.  Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. I Corinthians 10:23-24