May 21, 2009 - I Corinthians 8

We hear a lot these days in this country about personal rights, privileges, and freedoms. In fact, it seems to me that our current President was elected on the hope of what he was going to do for the individuals in our country. As Christians we hear so much of this, it becomes easy for to fall into the trap of that same way of thinking. In reading I Corinthians 8, we see a different picture. Paul acknowledges the personal freedom that we, as Christians, have a part from the old Jewish law. He is speaking here specifically about eating meat that has been sacrificed to an idol. In this case he says that since an idol is nothing, eating the meat sacrificed to an idol does not bring us closer to God so we are no better if we do and no worse if we do not. But then he goes on to say that some other Christians with weaker consciences might see us participating in this act in a public place and be misled into sin. In that case Paul says that he would never eat meat again if will keep his brother from sinning. That is the different picture. To acknowledge that he has the personal right and freedom, but be willing to give it up in consideration of his brother. We don't hear much about that. That is a much better example for us to follow. It is the kind of example that can help change the world!