Thursday, August 13

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

"Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.... Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." (1 Corinthians 8:1,9)


In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul wrestles with a contemporary issue -- consuming food sacrificed to idols -- that bears relevance into the present. While the moral struggle may not be the same, we still have controversial topics that we face. Behind these questions, Paul highlights the prevalence of love over personal rights.

In the text, he carefully establishes that, without consideration of others' best interests, the eating of this food does not in itself cause moral defilement: "But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do." (1 Corinthians 8:8) Yet, the defilement instead comes if a brother or sister (or perhaps even one not yet in the Body) were to stumble as a result of the "exercise of your freedom."

That is, we cannot place our rights above the Kingdom and its current or prospective participants. That is, while we have received freedom in Christ, our freedom does not allow us to callously or selfishly disregard others' best interests.

We find joy upon properly prioritizing (J)esus, (o)thers, and (y)ourself. Mixing the order leads to an impossibility of spelling joy.

What controversies do you find particularly difficult to avoid? How could you resolve them while looking out for others' best interests and the best for God's Kingdom?


Lord God, thank You for providing clarity on controversial topics with this passage. Give us the strength and wisdom to wrestle with those controversies in front of us today and into the future. Help us to bring and give life to others and to honor You today and always. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.


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