We don't have many controversies today about whether or not it is okay to eat meat that was sacrificed to idols. But that doesn't mean that we can just skip over this chapter, because there are plenty of ways this issue applies to us today. Under grace, many things are permissable, and they may pose no stumbling block to you or me. However, something that may not be an issue to us may really be a problem for someone else coming from a different background or worldview. The issue for us isn't how it affects us. The issue is will we value our freedom in a way that puts another person in bondage?
Paul is calling believers to live in true spiritual maturity in these two chapters by urging us to be willing to put ourselves in second place behind people who are newer in the walk. It is tempting to hold the opinion that since I know it's okay you can just deal with it, but as Paul leads us up to the "Love Chapter" in chapter 13, he details for us ways that our Christian love should be shown to others. Living in a way that doesn't hinder the spiritual "newbies" is a big one.
No comments:
Post a Comment