What did you think of this reading today? I’m not familiar with idol worship and offering of food. But at the time Paul was writing this, the eating of idol meat was a big deal. He was responding to the questions of these new followers, just as he had on other topics in our readings over the past couple days. So while it may seem obscure to us today, let’s dig in a little.
These new followers were wrestling with how do we set boundaries between what God wants and what the world wants. I could say that kind of wrestling continues to this day. The world would lead us astray on so many paths, and it is up to us to read God’s word and listen for his counsel to determine the boundaries.
I like how Paul starts out the discussion reminding them that we all have knowledge, “[b]ut while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.” Love, indeed. God has loved us first and in turn we are to love him and to love others. Those are the two biggies. Love God with your whole heart, and love your neighbor as yourself.
This whole “food issue” and what to eat or not to eat makes me think of the people in our society who are tending toward veganism (yes, that’s a word?) In other words, they have chosen not to eat meat, fish or poultry, and a true vegan will not use animal products and by-products such as eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, wool, cosmetics, and soaps derived from animal products. I am not a vegan, so I can’t speak to the motivations to make this choice, maybe for some it is a spiritual belief. If it is an oath they have made with God, then it would be a sin for them to eat or use these items. And our reading today warns us not to encourage others to sin.
It reminds me a little of how my husband and I will refrain from drinking alcohol if we are in the presence of a recovering alcoholic. It is, in part because of the wisdom and counsel of verse 9. We certainly don’t want to, in any way, be the reason a friend would “stumble”.
I’d love to hear what your thoughts are on this. Please feel free to share in the comments below. It is always good for us to read passages like this and while they don’t immediately seem relevant to us today, we need dig deeper. Here Paul is helping them balance the boundaries between church and culture. It is still necessary today to balance these, and with the rise of tolerance it is becoming harder and harder for our churches to thrive. Christians often are ridiculed as bigots or hypocrites. That’s not new, but it doesn’t feel good. However, it is important we take a stand on our beliefs and what we know to be right and wrong, from a Biblical standpoint. Being wishy washy is not helpful.
What are the idols in your life that are keeping you from being a truly devoted servant of Christ? Materialism? Power? Contemporary heros, i.e. sports teams, entertainers, etc.? Wrestle with these and ask God to help you avoid destruction.
Let’s pray. Father there are so many voices in our world today, so many messages pulling us away from you. Lord help me be discerning and stand strong against injustice, against untruth, and be bold and courageous to stand for you. Help me to love you with my whole heart and love others as well, even if they are different from me. May others see you in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
