Our Life Is On Display
by Dan Jones, M.D.
I Corinthians 10:32-33
Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God- even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
In this series we have examined how to apply Biblical principles in determining right and wrong when the Bible does not give direct guidance. Issues such as stem cell research, end of life decisions, and difficult business issues face us every day in our practices. From Paul’s advice to the Christians in Corinth and Rome, thus far we have learned we should proceed cautiously in exercising our spiritual freedom if it might hurt others, should seek to bring glory to God in all we do, should not violate our own conscience, and should not do things to cause other believers to stumble.
Now, in these last few verses in the tenth chapter of Corinthians, Paul raises the biggest concern in this area - how our decisions might impact an unbeliever and their potential salvation. If anything should give us pause in exercising our full freedom in Christ’s grace, it is this.
Every person who identifies with the name of Christ has the responsibility to live a holy life in front of others so that Christ can be seen in us. Non-believers are looking for inconsistencies in our lives with what we profess. In most communities, no Christian lives a life more on display for the non-believer than a Christian health professional. Our professions take us in daily contact with non-believers. Usually, our lives are very public, very observed.
We have the perfect opportunity to be a good example, to exhibit lifestyle evangelism. But, we also are very vulnerable to hypocrisy if our actions do not consistently match our professed faith. We should be seeking opportunities for sharing our faith verbally and through our lifestyles through the many opportunities that come our way.
Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be involved in the lives of unbelievers. Lord, give me wisdom in all I do so that I do not cause an unbeliever to mock your name. Help me be a beacon of your love.
Dan Jones, M.D., MACP, FAHA, a board-certified Internist, a former medical missionary to Korea, professor of medicine at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Dean of the School of Medicine, and Chancellor of the University of Mississippi until 2015. Dr. Dan Jones is a member of CMDA.
Dr. Jones welcomes any comments or questions about what he has written and can be reached at - djones@umc.edu
Rounds with the Master, Spiritual Pearls from the Great Physician Devotionals are released every Monday and Thursday.
Photo by Kevin Schmid on Unsplash
