1 Corinthians 10:31 and Christian freedom
Hello, sir. This is a question that's burning in my mind and actually causing problems in my family. An Anabaptist/evangelical/nondenominational relative of mine is saying that because of 1 Corinthians 10:31, we shouldn't listen to country music or drink pop. He says we should always be studying the Bible and doing godly things. I think he's missed all of the parts about grace and how we are justified by faith alone "not by works lest any man should boast." Am I wrong, or is he, or both of us? Thanks and God bless.
I would encourage you to remind your relative what the Bible teaches about Christian freedom. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”) teaches us that we can eat and drink—even soda/pop—to the glory of God when actions proceed from faith in and gratitude to God for all his gracious gifts. That passage informs us that Christians can do innumerable things in life to the glory of God.
God’s word tells us: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink…” (Colossians 2:16). While Old Testament ceremonial laws guided the dietary practices of God’s people before the coming of Christ, all those laws have been abolished; there are no New Testament ceremonial laws. The apostle Peter learned that lesson firsthand (Acts 10:15; 11:9). An individual’s personal opinion about soft drinks is just that: an opinion. It cannot bind the consciences of others (1 Timothy 4:1-5).
Can a Christian listen to music to the glory of God? Certainly. Is some music inappropriate and ungodly? Yes. Country music with themes of illicit sex and the abuse of alcohol have no place in our lives, but what about country music that emphasizes patriotism and family values? Philippians 4:8 instructs us to be discerning about the content we put into our hearts and minds. That includes music. We want to avoid music of any genre that cannot flow through the filter of Philippians 4:8, but condemning an entire genre of music without regard to content is an attack on the freedom we enjoy as God’s people.
The book of Galatians would be a good read for you and your relative. It’s an epistle that underscores our Christian freedom.
I hope this response will be helpful to you. God bless you.