Each year in Fairbanks, Alaska there is an ice sculpting festival. Massive chunks of ice are cut out of the area's frozen ponds and fork-lifted to the carving area where teams of sculptors from around the world assemble. Using chain saws, chisels, and even hair dryers, the artists transform the frozen water into life-sized works of art while an audience looks on. The assembled group watches the sculptors' every move, anticipating the outcome.
While you may never find yourself carving ice in front of an audience
, it is important to note that people are watching how you sculpt your life. They notice where you go and what you do. I Corinthians 8 is a reminder to all of us that we need to be other-focused. Paul tells us of the importance of not doing things that other believers consider wrong, even though there is nothing wrong in and of itself. Our focus should be on the growth and development of other believers, especially those who are young in the faith (v9). Sometimes that means we sacrifice some of our own freedoms so that we do not become a stumbling block to those who may be weak in the faith (v13). These brothers and sisters in Christ are watching you--they are looking up to you--and if you do things considered wrong, then it can really rock their faith, cause them to violate their own conscience, and even slip into a sinful lifestyle (v11). So let's always be aware of other believers. Let's help them as they sculpt their lives into something beautiful by watching how we sculpt our own lives.
Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.
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