Next up, the Corinthians had questions about what they should be eating. However, it didn’t have anything to do with fitness or watching their weight. We have a hard time identifying with such things as leftover food used during idol worship. Today, idol worship looks a lot different than in Paul’s day, so what does this chapter say to us? (Read more on idol worship from Jeremiah 10:1-16.)
Before Paul tackles their question, he says this: “But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.” I want to love God so much He recognizes me, don’t you? I’m not sure how that line fits in with the rest of the theme of this reflection, but it sets up a great mindset for us. It has given me pause to think about what I am doing to attract God’s attention. How do we show Him our love and devotion? The Corinthians must have wondered if what they ate mattered.
For us, our devotion starts by trying to be more like Jesus and caring for other believers. That’s the angle Paul takes to help people work through their issue with food sacrificed to idols. That is, after he states what should be obvious, that any such food is still just food because these gods or idols aren’t real, only the one true God is real. Food offered to those fake gods is not blessed or anything special. But the real issue is that not everyone understands those gods and idols aren’t “real.”
To handle the situation, Paul suggests we show our devotion to God through our actions towards others who don’t know or who have weakness. After call, Paul reminds us “we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat.” If we, as believers, are seen doing something that causes a fellow believer to stumble, we are surely not acting like Jesus would. It pleases God when we try to be more like his Son.
Since we don’t have temples full of idols and gods like the Corinthians did, what other real like examples come to mind? Where do people stumble these days? After my years leading worship in recovery ministry, I know many who struggle with sobriety. There are things I can do to help them not stumble, like avoid taking them to a bar or drinking alcohol in their presence. I want to focus on caring for them and their needs so that they stay strong.
Paul vowed to stop eating meat if that would help someone. He was serious about helping others and about not sinning. “And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ.” Sit with that statement for just a moment. What do you believe is wrong? Do you ever feel pressure from others to do wrong things?
I asked the question, “what do you eat?” I think it’s more about what you put into your body and mind, not just food consumed. Are you filling up on wholesome, God-honoring content like his Word, worship songs, sermons, uplifting stories? Or are you depleting yourself with things of the world that are draining you and distracting you from God? Think about that today.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, forgive me for spending so much time on the distractions of life that keep me from spending time with you or helping encourage others. Help me to do a better job of watching your signals. Open my eyes to see you more and help others see the same. I want my life to praise you and bring you glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
