Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. --1 Corinthians 8:1-3
To My Daughters,
Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. This is such a wonderful principal to apply in all the decisions we make. The bible says that without love we are nothing and whatever we might do...even those things that look good and right from the outside are in vain. Love is always needed to see the whole picture.
Knowledge leads to pride, thinking we know better we run ramrod over other people's beliefs and feelings. We run ahead of God and their conscience and weaken their faith. In fact, a know-it-all really just advertises his ignorance because someone who really does know a lot also realizes how very little he really does know. Knowledge, Paul said, puffs up, but love edifies.
Today, as in the Corinthian church there are many situations in our lives that are not black and white. Thou shalt not kill...pretty black and white. Do not be drunk with wine...but a little is good for the stomach. Not so black and white. How much can you drink then and still be in God's will??? Here is where the rubber really meets the road. Paul says not to use just your knowledge in such matters but use your love. Consider not only what is lawful for you...but what would be the best for others.
Chapter 8 of 1 Corinthians speaks to the larger issue of our liberty in Christ. Paul urges us not to put a stumbling block in front of our weaker brethren. He is speaking in regard to the eating of meat that was sacrificed to idols. I will speak to the drinking of alcohol...an example that is easier for us to understand in today's world. Having a glass of wine in front of a brother who has struggled with alcohol abuse in the past is not loving. He might use your liberty in Christ to go against his conscience, be emboldened to drink and could, therefore, be adversely affected by your liberty.
Each one of us have weak areas where it is easy for Satan to gain a foothold. For one it might be alcohol, for another lust, for another greed...I could go on but I will spare you. I might have a personal conviction that I will not do this or that because I know the end of doing this particular thing would lead me down a path where I know I am weak and sin would most likely result. It would not be a good thing for me to go against my conscience in this. It is kind of similar to someone who is on a diet and going against their conscience eat a small piece of cake. Harmless, right...a few spins on the exercise bike and the effects are mitigated. Unfortunately, food is a weak area for them and because they now feel they have blown their diet consume the entire cake. NOT SO EASILY MITIGATED. I do not want to do this to another brother or sister in Christ. God places various convictions on our hearts to hedge us behind and before from ourselves...from our own flesh. Talking someone out of a conviction that God has placed on their heart is never a good thing.
How do we know then when to bear with the infirmities of our brethren in love and when to speak the truth to them in love. (notice that the word love is used in both instances...love is always needed) Here is what I do...I pray...I ask God what to do in all the different situations I face. I ask for His wisdom which is peaceable, pure, gentle and willing to yield. And here is the most important part of my message...WHEN IN DOUBT...I SHUT MY MOUTH. I trust that the Lord will lead them...just as He does me.
A relationship with Jesus is moment by moment surrender to the prompting of His Spirit in your life. It is not a set of rules and regulations. It is asking Him what to do and how to handle each situation you face. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Put Him first. Love those around you with the love He has shed abroad in your heart. Immerse yourself in His word. It will right your thinking, align your will with His, and correct what misunderstandings you might have. God will guide you in all situations and if He is leading you will be walking in love and building up the faith of those around you.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths.-- Proverbs 3:5-6
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.--1 Corinthians 13:1-8
Love
Mom
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