Bible Chapter: I Corinthians 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The thought that comes to me as I read this short chapter is that Paul is speaking about the impact that we can have on others.  This impact can either be positive or negative.  The issue being discussed is about those who thought they shouldn’t eat meat that had been part of the ritualistic sacrifices to idols.  Some felt that meat is meat, no big deal.  Others felt that it made the person a participant in the idol sacrifice.
    Based on this discussion, should the believers in that day eat the meat from the local market?  That wasn’t Paul’s main focus.  Paul’s concern was how actions impacted other believers.  This was especially the weaker believers who might be hurt spiritually by observing a person expressing their spiritual freedom.  We can actually destroy a weaker believer, sinning against them and Christ.  This was so critical that Paul said he would rather not eat meat than cause someone to stumble.  This gives a good insight to the fact that we are dealing with eternity, not just what happens here on earth.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    How much do I care about others?  How important is my spiritual freedom to do whatever I want?  Where do my priorities lie?  It is more important for me to do whatever I can to help weaker believers than for me to do whatever I want.  I heard a speaker many years ago talk about what he called his spiritual freedom phase.  If the Bible didn’t specifically prohibit an action, he made sure he did them if he wanted to.  He would not be robbed of his freedom to do things.  He finally realized that this wasn’t actually freedom, but bondage to the license he wanted to practice.
    It is more important to care about the spiritual health of others than to have the “freedom” to do whatever we want.  It is more important to make sacrifices to populate heaven than to risk causing someone to stumble.  Others are more important than me.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I must be always aware of how I can help those who are learning and maturing in their relationship with Jesus.  Anything I might miss in the process is not that important, anyway.  Sacrifice is a foundational part of the Christian life.