1 Corinthians 8:1-3 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.
Love is a nebulous concept for most of us. Our love often depends on the situation or circumstance we find ourselves experiencing and sometimes hinges on whether it is reciprocated or not. If someone rejects our smiles, endearing words, and affectionate actions, we tend to back off in our display of love towards that person. If we feel a person does not care for us and for our ideas, we usually treat him or her coldly, without deference. I have seen Christian athletes displaying unchristian actions when the athletic contest is on the line or when another player does something they do not like. What about football players who testify of Christ in their lives; yet they claim in a game they caught a ball when they know they are actually lying. On the basketball court, many Christian players, caught in a contested game, will fabricate about whether the ball went off them or their opponent in an out-of-bounds situation. They will lie to the officials, to the fans, to the opposing players. Their hundred percent effort to win the game has caused them to shake off the testimony of Christ. The scriptures call Christians ambassadors of Christ who should love the world as themselves, but when the game could be decided by one play and when there are high expectations from coaches, teammates, and fans, these ambassadors of Christ give in to their circumstances, their situations. Their love and claims of Christ in their lives become evasive. Their love as with the above focus is dependent on circumstances, even on their freedom in Christ's redemption. Of course, this kind love that is often found in our relationships, in our activities, in our interests is more than evasive, it is totally dishonest, and it is known by God. Our claim of loving God should not depend on circumstances at school, on the job, or at home. Our love is not based on our freedom to do or say anything we want, even if it seems appropriate and correct. Our actions and words should express God's love for ALL HUMANITY. Therefore, we should say or do that which will not hurt anyone and that which glorifies the Lord. Jesus said, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 KJV)
In today's focus, we see Paul discussing how our knowledge about something can erase the guiding principle of loving others as ourselves. Paul tells the Corinthians they should be careful how they act in their daily lives. Just because they know that idols and other gods are not real, they should not take advantage of that knowledge by eating food in the temples of idols. As we read the rest of this chapter, we will see that Paul warns them that doing so might hurt a weaker brother. A weaker brother might be led away from the true gospel of Christ because of their freedom to eat in the temples of idols. Because of the actions of the stronger brethren, a brother or a sister who is not as strong in the faith might start to believe these false gods really do have power or authority over their lives, giving credence to the lie that there are other gods in existence. Paul wants them to know that their correct knowledge about a certain circumstance can be hurtful to others. They must not forget their obligations to the whole church, even their weaker brethren. A person's perception of being completely free because of perceiving the word of God correctly, can cause great damage to the church. We might think we contain the absolute truth about something or that we have freedom to act or say anything we desire. Even sometimes thinking we can lie when it helps us can hurt others. We might rely correctly on God's mercy and grace in all situations, but Paul is saying, we really know nothing as we ought to know. Later in this letter Paul brings restraint to the believers: All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (1 Corinthians 10:23) We do not really understand that the love of God is for everyone, in all circumstances. Our liberty, used correctly or not, does not set us free from our obligations to others. When the contest of life is on the line, we cannot use our freedom to undermine our weaker brethren. We must live and act above reproach. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (Philippians 4:5)
The man or woman who loves God places God in all their activities and words. This person of dedication is known by God, is recognized by God as his own son or daughter. Our knowledge about the truth or our freedom we have in Christ must not be used capriciously for our own benefit at the expense of others. We must be people of integrity: honest, truthful, obedient to God. We must consider our weaker brethren in our daily words and actions. How does what I do affect someone else who is weaker than I am in a certain area? Love for God is personified in the actions and words of Jesus Christ. When Jesus prayed at the Mount of Olives, He said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) He allowed himself to go to the cross, to be stripped and beaten, to die an ignoble death, alone, with people cursing him and spitting on him. Love for God is not evasive, circumstantial, based on the reciprocation of others, and our needs. Love for God is sacrificial when we do not want to sacrifice. Love for God is living a life of commitment when committing costs us everything. Today in some Middle Eastern countries, a person can die for professing Christ as Lord or sharing the Good New with others. God's love does not depend on circumstances; it is the power that sets us free. Jesus' words are as true today as when He spoke them: Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. (John 14:11-12) Remember his words, ". . .anyone who has faith in me WILL DO WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING." We are to be about our Father's business. We are to do his work. If the ball goes off you at a vital point in the game, be faithful to the Word. Follow your Jesus. For there are weaker brethren watching you. You can either solidify their lives in Christ or you can lead them astray to another way, one that will lead them into death. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30) Amen!
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