1 Corinthians 5-8
In our society we are told that each of us should take care of ourselves above all others. That our happiness needs to come first before we can make anyone else happy. That our rights trump the rights of anyone else.
What does the Bible say about that? Paul, in chapter 8, gives us an example. He says we know that idols are pretend gods, so food offered to idols isn’t unclean. There is nothing wrong with eating it.
However, if our eating that food causes anyone to stumble in their faith, Paul advises us to not eat it.
“But,” you might say, “I like what they’re serving.” Paul says, “I know. Don’t eat it.”
You might say, “I need to eat it so I can be a better mom.” Paul says, “Find something else to eat.”
You might say, “I have a right to eat it.” Paul says, “Get over yourself. We’re talking about someone’s eternal soul.”
And you might even say, “If they don’t like me eating that food, it’s not my problem.” Paul assures us it is:
But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
This example might translate into drinking alcohol, going to certain movies, attending a ballgame instead of going to church. I don’t know what God is speaking to you about, but I think He’s telling us that just because we “can” do something, it doesn’t mean we “should.”
I firmly believe if we live our lives considering the eternal lives of people around us, and are less focused on ourselves, we’d be truly happier, and they would see Jesus.
What we do and how we represent the Lord is very much our problem.
alighttomyway 