Respect and honor the conscience of other believers. Let us support and encourage them with our actions. Do not simply dismiss their concerns as “that may not be good for you, but it is ok for me”. Honor one another, respect, and encourage one another in unity as the body of Christ.
Even as we avoid idolatry directly, we should also be aware of how even indirect association with it may cause believers to stumble, and thus we should remain sensitive to how certain activities may affect others. Not everything that is lawful is edifying or good. Paul highlights an example of meat offered to idols. (This conversation thread presupposes that the meat in question is considered food by God. The context is purely in regards to meat offered to idols and not a broader commentary on God’s dietary instructions. ) Paul points out that although we may eat meat offered to idols, we should choose not to if someone raises the concern to us that it may be offensive to God because of its association with idols.
While these specific examples may seem strange to us, we should apply the message to situations we may encounter today. I can think of a specific example that may be more familiar. I had a friend that was concerned about a movie perhaps being offensive to God. He thought we should not watch it. Even if I am convinced that I am allowed to watch it, why would I insist on watching it with this friend? If they are convicted about the content of the movie being inappropriate in some regard to our faith and honoring God… I should choose to support him and avoid the movie even if I think it is ok. I do so for my friend’s sake.
14Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15I speak as to wise men; you judge what I say. 16Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. 18Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? 19What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. 21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we?
23All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 24Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. 25Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake; 26FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS. 27If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake. 28But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake; 29I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? 30If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?
31Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; 33just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.
One last parting thought… do not misunderstand Paul when he says he pleases all men in all things. He is not violating God’s law to avoid offending someone. He is not disregarding God’s instructions. Pay close attention to the context throughout this scripture. When Paul indicates he pleases all men he is referring to choosing self sacrifice, avoiding things that he may know are acceptable, for the sake of encouraging and supporting other believers as they try to honor God and avoid offensive things. This is a great approach for many reasons. Perhaps a simple one for closing is to point out that this encourages people to try to please God even if they don’t fully understand what God calls for. It avoids discouraging less mature believers by constantly telling them they don’t understand and thus leading them to be vulnerable to just giving up and accepting all things, even those that may be offensive to God.
Spend a few minutes in prayer and ask God to show you how this lesson applies in your life. Give thanks for the Holy Spirit who dwells within us as our guide and conscience.
Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ
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