Reflections from August 9, 2010

Paul helps us better understand matters of conscience when he tells us in 1 Corinthians 8:12, "But when you thus sin against the brethren, and would their weak conscience, you sin against Christ."

The issue that Paul had been writing about was concerning the eating of meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Often, this meat was very high quality, the best of the best so to speak, and it was very good eating. So, the Corinthians had asked if it was ok to eat as there was much disagreement on this subject. Paul essentially said let your conscience be your guide as what we eat and what we drink do not determine our relationship with God.

But...if what we eat or what we drink affect another believer's relationship with God, and affects it in a negative way, that is a major problem. As followers of Christ, we are obligated to not be a stumbling block to others as this would violate the second greatest commandment.

So, while being saved by grace does provide freedom, it also creates a bit of tension; we can choose as we please, but God's love requires us to ask questions of conscience about our choices. From what we eat to whom we live with, to where we live, to what we do with our money and time -- almost everything we do affects our neighbors. So we need to ask, are we treating them with love?

We need not allow others to manipulate us through legalistic criticism. But we need discretion as to how our choices affect those around us. It's not enough to follow Christ just in our hearts; we also need to follow Him in our consciences.

Blessings to all