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1 Corinthians 8:9-13
In 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 the Apostle Paul transitions from eating food that has been purchased in the market with an unsure origin that possibly it came from an animal that was sacrificed to an idol, to the issue of a more mature Christian brother or sister actually going to the temple of a false god for the reason of eating – not to worship the idol but to have a meal. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 8:10-13 (NKJV), “For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”
This is a command to be aware of our actions as others are watching and learning from our actions and words.
The Christian who is more mature in their walk with the Lord is more confident in their words and actions than a person who has recently opened their heart to God in Christ Jesus and the salvation found only in Him. The new Christian is watching the actions and listening to the words of the mature Christian to find in themselves the proper way to behave in their new life in Christ. We must always keep in mind that our actions and words are molding those around us in the way they see Christianity. We are Jesus’ examples in the world today. If someone sees us say or do something we had not, it would be good for them to also see us repent and ask forgiveness as we are not perfect but serve a forgiving God who loves us more than we could ever imagine.
Dear LORD,
We make mistakes, and we are grateful that You are a forgiving God. But please help us to strive to set the proper example as best we can for those who are watching and listening so that we may bring glory and others to You through our lives – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.