It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t miss out on anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do. But you must be careful with this freedom of yours. Do not cause a brother or sister with a weaker conscience to stumble.
1st Corinthians 8:8-9
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
Upper Room - 04/24/06
The reference in this scripture is to ‘what we eat’, specifically food which has been offered to idols. The practice of sacrifice is not common today yet I think the scripture and the principle are still very relevant in today’s society.
How might you ‘cause a brother or sister … to stumble’?
If we stay with food, are you careful about the dietary needs or restrictions of those you entertain? You invite the couple to your picnic or bar-b-queue. You have knowledge that the fellow has been attending AA meetings. What beverages will he find when he opens the cooler? How about what you wear? You may be very comfortable but is the outfit a stumbling block in the eyes of another? What other area might you cause someone to stumble?
We won’t always know what the stumbling block is for those around us. God calls us to ‘be careful’ with our freedom to guard the conscience of others. If we are thoughtful … careful … keeping the best interest of others in the forefront of our actions, we will be pleasing to God.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment