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Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him. Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that ‘no idol in the world really exists’, and that ‘there is no God but one.’ Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. ‘Food will not bring us close to God.’ We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling-block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall. (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)
You've heard people talk about 1st World problems? Well, this was a 1st Corinthians problem. One could, if they so desired, to to a meat market and buy meat offered to idols. I imagine it might be in the discount or "Buy Today" section of the market, because some of it was already cooked or burned. For the believers in Corinth, some thought that it would be sin to buy such a meat, for it had been used in the worship of an idol or false god. And a great discussion was happening in that small church. "To eat or not to eat? That is the question." Paul responds to that question in this passage. The purpose of fellowship among believers is to build up, not tear down, so Paul talks about knowledge versus love. The Message version of the Bible gave us the title for today's devotional. Paul believes everyone should make up their own mind about this matter, but says that for the sake of building up, if he offends someone by eating meat offered first to idols, he would not eat it. Paul knew there was no real existing idol in the world, just as he knew there was only one true, living God, so the meat could be eaten, but if it destroyed the faith of some, he would not want to be a part of that practice. Others first was his belief and practice. Is this your practice or something you see in your church?
The Christ-centered church puts Jesus first, and the needs of others right alongside Him. All work together for the good of the community, seeking to build one another up. Yesterday's passage was about the destruction that sometimes happens because something changes and causes disruption. And sometimes those things are not as important in the big scheme of things. I remember a church I served once change the Doxology we sang. There is the traditional one that a lot of churches sing, and the newer one, with the same words included in it, along with other words. One person left the church because of her anger on this change. If a church changes a worship time, some will leave. If the color of the carpet is changed, the same. Really?
A humble heart towards God beats out a proud mind. Knowledge is not bad, but using it to lord over others is.
PRAYER: Loving Father, bless us to be a stronger presence in all things, but as a presence of love and humility towards You and one another. Help us to bless others into a deeper faith, for we want to build up Your kingdom. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Show your heart as one of love today.
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER REQUESTS: Dear friend, thank you for your prayers! Please pray today for Charlotte Wilson having surgery in San Antonio today. Also, Rev. Emet Huntsman is set to have his procedure done at about 10 am today as sell in San Antonio. Prayer is a working gift from God that blesses us as we pray and blesses those for whom we pray. It matters not whether we know the individual or not! God bless you and your day today is my prayer for you!
