Freedom That Builds Others Up
BRD REFLECTION 2026
1 Corinthians 10:23-33 and Psalms 19:1-6 (NIV)
(Estella Lau from Discipleship and Nurture Committee)
READ:
1 Corinthians 10:23-33 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Paul teaches that while Christians may have the freedom to do many things, not everything is beneficial or constructive. We should use our freedom with love, prioritising what builds others up rather than seeking personal advantage. He addresses the issue of eating food sold in the meat market that might have been sacrificed to idols, explaining that everything on earth belongs to God; hence, all food is permissible. However, our choices should be guided by concern for others’ consciences—especially those of new believers or non-believers. We should avoid actions that could cause others to stumble.
APPLY:
Three verses from 1 Corinthians 10 stood out to me:
Verse 24 calls me to seek the good of others rather than my own.
Verse 31 reminds me that whatever I do should be done for the glory of God.
Verse 33 challenges me to act for the benefit of others so that many may be saved.
While Christ has set me free from legalism and empty religiosity, I am confronted with a deeper question: Am I free to live as I please, or free to love and obey God’s will?
Each day presents choices that ultimately come down to whether I live for myself or for others. In the workplace, behaviours such as aggressive ambition, the relentless pursuit of targets, and decisively removing “weak links” are often praised and rewarded. Yet, while these actions may benefit the organisation and advance my career, they risk presenting a distorted picture of Jesus to non-believers. Christ’s leadership is marked not by self-promotion or power, but by humility, love, and self-sacrifice.
DO:
I am called to model Jesus’ servant leadership. I need to examine whether my decisions are truly made for God’s glory and for the good of others, rather than for personal gain. Helpful questions to guide my decisions include:
Does this action elevate me, or does it serve others?
Could this choice weaken someone’s conscience or confuse their understanding of God?
Am I exercising my freedom, or am I modelling love?
PRAY:
Dear Lord, shape me to be more like Christ, who emptied Himself for us. Help me to seek not my own good, but the good of others. In all that I do, may I act for Your glory. Grant me wisdom and discernment to make choices that benefit others and draw them closer to Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
