Meet Scott Coy

I didn't enjoy much freedom before I trusted Christ. I was held captive by performance and comparison. If I performed "better" than others, then I felt "better" about myself . . . for a while. Freedom came with truth, and truth came by learning the Word of God. I was free to reshape my conscience and free from the burden of judging others' actions. Romans 14:22-23 gives light to this real freedom, faith, and conscience.

The context of this passage is food, and the issue is the freedom believers have to follow their conscience when making decisions regarding food. The healthiest of consciences are shaped by the Word of God. Many, however, have consciences that are shaped by childhood, mentors, and even experiences. All can be accurate, but the true test and best source for the conscience is Scripture. This passage speaks to the role of a healthy, well-informed conscience regarding the eating of certain foods, and it remains the liberty of the individual believer.

A wider application of the use of conscience and faith might be drawn but with certain precautions. This passage should not be used to create one's own theology that breaks from orthodoxy or written biblical truths. The freedom that believers have to disagree on issues—such as food, use of money, the size of our homes, or the cars we drive—are indeed freedoms. But they too must be guided by Scripture and are not free to interpretation in accordance with our own biases. Acting on the conviction of Scripture is a practice of faith. To act otherwise is to make a decision motivated by self, which is a sin. Here's the kicker: it's not my job (or yours) to judge another's conscience. Let's leave that to the individual and the Holy Spirit.