READ Genesis 12:10-13:13

As Christians, we have the double duty of not only living for Christ, but maintaining a testimony for others.  Other Christians watch us and reference our actions when they make decisions.  Sometimes we know of a elder or deacon in the church who has certain high standards of conduct, and we copy them.  Sometimes, youths in the church use the actions of a youth pastor or individual in the church to justify what they are doing.  We do not have the liberty to act the way we wish, listen to what we want, read what we want, watch what we want, or do anything we want.  In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul reminds the church, "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."  Later, he reiterates his statement by saying, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Also, in 1 Corinthians 8:9, he warns them about the dangers of using 'liberty' to set a stumblingblock in front of those that are weak.  When we remember what Christ, Himself, said about the matter in Matthew 18:6, we get a better idea of the seriousness of the matter.  "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."  The word 'offend' literally means "to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall."  Bruising someone's conscience with the reality of their sin, or cutting them to the quick with needful rebuke about their lifestyle is not Biblical offense.  You have offended someone when you act in a way that can prevent them from doing what is right.