Esteeming others higher than self

1Corinthians 8:9 "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak."

Paul taught the Corinthians that being lovingly responsible to other believers was more important than showing off their spiritual knowledge.They were not to eat meat or do anything else that would cause a weaker brother to stumble.In his Letter to the Philippians,Paul said that Christ laid aside His priviledges as God to become a human being:"Taking the very nature of a servant,(He was) made in human likeness"
When we limit our freedom for the sake of others, we are showing a similar kind of love.

We must realize that love not knowledge, is the most important aspect of Christian relationships.(We sometimes get so caught up on the me aspect of salvation we forget about the other sheep that might be following us.)Exercising our freedom in Christ matters less than strengthening the faith of a spiritually weak believer.It's not a matter of who's right and who's wrong on a certain issue, since Christians may have differing convictions.Instead, Paul is calling us to look out for those with less spiritual maturity, who may be harmed by our actions.(Saints it is not good for us to argue over foolishness, what is important is the building up of the weak and lame sheep of the Lord.) Consideration for other believers often involves restraint.Would you play golf on Sunday if you knew that a less mature Christian friend would misunderstand your actions?Would you stay home from a movie or concert if your attendance would harm your christian witness?

The holy spirit can help us to be sensitive to questionable things.Remember, younger believers are walking behind us,and we should be careful of the footprints that we leave.Self sacrifice involves giving up doing what it is you want to do, for the growth and maturity of another;like not watching your favorite T.V. show, to spend some time with a new convert going over the bible or helping them with a Sunday school lesson.Christians should avoid anything that would harm another believer, In every flock there are also weak and lame sheep, they to belong to the shepherd, he gave his life for them also............

We who profess Christ should be careful what we post on the walls of social networks for everyone to see, not that it might be wrong, but it could hinder the walk of one not as strong as you. Going to a party may not hurt you,but to a weaker christian it could be a stumblingblock.