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Day 8 1 Corinthians 8 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies. 2 And if any man think that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him. 4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8 But meat commends us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend. Actions speak louder than words. What you do has more effect than what you say as people watch your actions and point out when they don’t line up with what you say. If you’ve gleaned anything from this letter, it’s that the church in Corinth were new believers who came out of idol worship. Paul rebuked and taught them on many subjects. This part of the letter addresses food offered to idols. Many of the new believers went into the idol’s temples and ate the food set aside for idols. Those believers who didn’t understand what being a Christian meant, thought it was okay to mimic the behavior of older Christians, and in so doing more mature Christians caused the downfall of new believers. As Christians, you know there are places you shouldn’t go and events you should not participate in because it damages your faith and integrity as a Christian. People see what you do, and because you do certain things, they believe they can too without consequence. You hurt yourself and other Christians by your behavior. Paul told the church at Corinth that though he had no trouble eating meat offered to idols because it would not harm his faith or integrity, he would not do it because it would harm others not as mature as he. You always need to be aware of the other person’s faith and maturity. Consider your actions and who will hear and mimic them to their hurt or good. Consider what Paul said not only to the church at Corinth, but also the church at Philippi. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (KJV) Always remember people see what you do and they will do the same. Let’s pray: Father, help me be a good example to those around me. Don’t let me be a stumbling block to those less mature than I am in faith in You, but help me build them up into mature Christians. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 21 March 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay