23
Stumbling Block
Richard Waialeale1 Corinthians 8:1 (NIV)
1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
There are two themes that Paul touches on that affected believers when it comes to pagan worship and Christian worship, it’s “me first” or “you first.” Did you know that the Greeks and Romans would burn the less desirable portions of an animal used in their worship sacrifices and retained the choicer parts for personal consumption, like what’s served at banquets celebrating the sacrifices. The Bible teaches us to always give of our best to God, so when Paul talks about knowledge and love, we all have knowledge, but true knowledge led to God and a love for Him.
The problem was if all Corinthian Christians could have agreed that an idol was nothing and that there was only one God, then they might have eaten the idol meat and not become a stumbling block.
None-the-less, I must not become that stumbling block to others around me. It’s not the place or obstacle that causes the stumbling block, but the lack of knowledge that there is only one true God in Jesus Christ. Keep my eyes and devotion and love for Him, and He will set me free from any obstacle that may cause me to stumble. Lord keep my awareness high to help those around me move closer to Jesus.
Lord let me be an influence and example of the love for one God and devoted to You, In Jesus Name. Amen.
