Join us as we focus each day for nine weeks on a different part of 1 Corinthians 13.
Wednesday: It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god… 1 Corinthians 8:7a
Read: 1 Corinthians 8:4-8
Listen: 1 Corinthians 8
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Jesus-community in Corinth is in its infant stage. Everyone is at a different place in their journey and struggling with different things. Some feel freedom in the area of eating meat sacrificed to idols, and others just can’t seem to get there. Perhaps they were so entrenched in the temple culture that they can’t separate the meat from the ritual. Their head knows idols aren’t real, but their heart remembers their old life.
Paul doesn’t tell them to “just get over it.” He doesn’t condemn them. He probably isn’t surprised there would be some people still working through this issue. Instead, he tells those who feel freedom to accommodate their brothers and sisters.
The disconnect between what our heads know to be true and what our hearts tell us is so common. It’s part of growing in our walk with Jesus. Growth requires we all leave things behind. There are times our heart tells us, “This is wrong! This is wrong!” even when we may know that we have the freedom to do it in Jesus. Some of us were saved out of an overly materialistic lifestyle, and don’t feel comfortable owning a nicer car. Others grew up in a home where alcohol was abused and don’t feel right about grabbing a beer at the new craft brewery. Some of us struggle with body image issues and can’t seem to find the freedom to spend a day at the beach.
Sometimes there’s a disconnect between our hearts and our heads as we begin following Jesus. We may know something is fine in theory, but our heart doesn’t give us permission to do it. We get stuck. Watch this video clip as Pastor Aaron Buer tells us, “We are all in process. God promises to continue working in us (Philippians 1:6).”
The Culture of the Cross is a culture where we put others before ourselves. We work on being aware of where others are on their spiritual journey. When we put aside our freedoms, it helps them grow.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider those around you. Are you aware of where people are on their journey? Have you tried to find out? Begin by asking questions about what is going on in their life. Asking questions can help us connect with someone and get to know them better. What you hear will help you serve them better and pray more specifically for them.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
