November 20 - 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1

Good morning everyone,

Today as we continue on with Paul’s first letter to the people of Corinth he is instructing the more mature believers in the church to not be haughty in their knowledge of Christ. He encourages them to love the new converts. Love is so much more important than knowledge. As Christians, the only way we can draw closer to God is by loving Him. We can have all kinds of head knowledge, but it is heart knowledge that endears us to Him. Paul tells us that, “Whoever loves God is known by God.” 

In 8:9 Paul says in his letter, “But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” I want to camp here for a minute because too many people I meet just don’t get this. I hear them say words like, “It doesn’t say in the Bible I can’t smoke.” or “Jesus drank wine, why can’t I?” and many other likewise statements. And it’s true, Christians have a lot of freedom to enjoy different pleasures in life and I would encourage everyone to feel free to delight in whatever they do enjoy as long as scripture does not forbid it and, and ….. hear this, so long as you are not stumbling or crippling anyone else.

Be considerate of other’s weaknesses and beliefs. If you are having someone to dinner who has suffered with a drinking problem or perhaps they just feel strongly that alcohol has no place in a Christian’s life, please don’t tempt them or insult them by serving alcohol. The same would apply with smoking, or your choice of entertainment, and any other freedom we have, while there might not be anything scripturally wrong with it, restrain yourself. Love your brother or sister in Christ enough to honor their beliefs. Be sensitive and respectful to them. If a person thinks we’re wrong, so what? Our freedom must always be wrapped in concern and care for others. If our freedom actually leads someone else to violate their conscience then we have become a stumbling block and that is so uncool. Love for each other should trump all else. “Self” has no place in love. Does this make sense?

Paul says, “For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” We have only one life to live. Let’s us use that time loving and caring more about others than ourselves. The life that counts for eternity is the life that is centered in the will of God. Amen?

Have a good day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..