DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

"Now concerning things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him." I Corinthians 8:1-3)

The problem that the Apostle is addressing in the church at Corinth was the matter of eating certain foods. Some in the congregation would not eat meat that had been offered to idols. Meats that had been offered for idol worship were sold in the market-place and anyone could buy them. To some in the fellowship, these were tainted because they were used in idol worship and they could not with good conscience eat these meats. To others in the fellowship, it was not an issue. They could eat these meats without any problem.

The problem really was not whether the meats were acceptable food, but the attitudes of the believers. Those who did not eat them were offended by those who could, and those who could eat were proud because of their freedom. They were judging each other.

Paul pinpointed the issue by writing that we don't always know another person's heart, and we should not sit in judgment but leave the judging to God. Each person belongs to God and He knows their hearts.

In the 21^st century, we do not have the issue of eating meats offered to idols. But this is a true maxim: None of us knows everything. Some people are proud because they know it all, and they look down on others who perhaps do not have the same knowledge. This is true in areas of doctrine. Some people think they have it all figured out – whether regarding election and predestination or the book of Revelation – and they look down on others who have a different understanding and question their relationship with God.

Paul's solution for the problem: make space for other peoples' faith. Instead of judging others because they don't see it the same was as I do, I need to be careful to not violate their conscience. As Paul wrote, "If food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother to stumble" (vs. 13). That is love in action – considering another person's faith.

We are all growing in our faith. Some are farther along than others. The more mature person will be strong in what they believe without condemning others who are still growing in grace. Love edifies; it does not tear down another person's faith but builds it. We are in the construction business – building other people's faith.

Love, Dad

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