“ Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”
My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The words above are taken from 1 Corinthians 8:13. In our Bibles, this verse brings the eighth chapter of Paul’s first letter to a conclusion, as well as his treatment of a very divisive issue that plagued first century Christians, especially those in the ancient city of Corinth.
Verse 1 identifies this volatile subject as the practice of eating meat that had once been offered in sacrifice to one of the many pagan idols in the city. Some believers saw nothing at all wrong with purchasing such meat at a discount at the local market, and then putting it on the grill and serving up a scrumptious meal. They knew that there was no such thing as an idol, anyway (vv. 4-6, 8). And, furthermore, they understood that the meat underwent no change at all, even though it had been ‘dedicated’ to one of the Greek deities. To eat it would be a matter of complete indifference (v. 8). Let the BBQ begin!
On the other side of this issue were those believers in the Corinthian Church who were deeply troubled by such a practice. They would never allow this ‘contaminated’ meat to touch their lips, for they truly believed it had undergone a substantial spiritual change and, therefore, was unfit for consumption by Christians (v. 7). According to Paul, this conviction, however, was based upon a theological misunderstanding (vv. 4, 8). These believers in Christ had not advanced in their theological “ knowledge” to the point where they understood that, given the fact that idols are not real, eating this meat would make no difference at all, even to the Lord Himself. To the contrary, they viewed this practice as a grievous sin against God.
The reason I mention this passage is that we find ourselves in a similar situation even today. The old devil loves to divide God’s people. And this was not only his diabolical strategy in first-century Corinth, it remains his standard plan now. And while the specifics of our setting are indeed much different, the threat is essentially the same; that those who belong to the Savior might become divided over issues that, in the final analysis, really don’t matter at all. If the enemy of God’s people can get us to major on the minors, then he has us exactly where he wants us!
Our current climate, particularly with all of its volatile controversies over matters of disease, health, and the limits of civil obedience, is a ripe atmosphere for Satan’s strategies of division and disunity. In fact, without any exception, every pastor I have personally spoken with since March has expressed this very concern. We are all troubled by the danger of division within the body of Christ that is posed by the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been understood and interpreted by Christians in at least two ways. For some, it is more of a political matter than one of disease and health. For others, it is threat to our very existence. Some see it as a largely manufactured crisis, motivated by nefarious political goals. Others view it as a very real health disaster that has yet to reach its point of maximum intensity. And, perhaps, there are those in between who are trying to figure it all out.
What’s more is the fact that both sides can appeal to their ‘experts’ to substantiate their claims, making the matter even more complicated and controversial. In this polarized climate, the devil has a great opportunity to divide Christ’s Church over matters that, while not unimportant, are yet secondary to those basic and bigger things that unite us.
Well, today’s note is all about encouragement, so let me encourage!
With this troubling situation in view, what was Paul’s solution?
In 1 Corinthians 8, the Apostle supplies some very practical help. Let me briefly show you what he says to the Church, and how his inspired counsel is a blessed recipe for our unity even today.
First, we need to remember that with knowledge comes the very real danger of becoming “arrogant” (vv. 1-3).
If you believe you’ve got this all figured out, and you know the real truth behind the day’s headlines, then beware! Pride is lurking nearby! And this is just the way it is with us sinners. The more we know, the more arrogant we tend to become if our knowledge is not powerfully tempered by Christian humility and Christ-like love. The fact is, not even the most knowledgeable Christian (a “ strong” believer, as Paul labels them in Romans 15:1) really knows everything as he should (v. 2). Humility must retain the upper hand here!
Second, we need to remember that we are at different places in our understanding of God’s truth as revealed in Scripture.
Some are advanced in Christian doctrine. Others are just getting started. Some have their consciences trained and shaped by the Word. Others are not quite there just yet, and Paul tenderly refers to them as “ the weak” (v. 9). The presence of both the “ strong” and the “ weak” in Christ’s Church means that we will not all see eye-to-eye on every issue. Patience and grace must rule among us!
Third, the major responsibility for unity in the body of Christ falls upon those who believe they have things figured out, those who are “strong. ”
Paul refers to them as those with “ knowledge” (v. 7). If you are among those who are mature in the faith, then you have the heavier burden of protecting the unity of God’s people. And this will require a greater humility before the Lord, and a deeper love for those who don’t see things your way, your ‘weaker’ brothers and sisters in Christ.
Consider Paul’s direct words to the “ strong” ones:
(v. 9) “ But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.”
(vv. 11-12) “ And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.”
The “strong” must lay aside their rights for the greater good of the Body!
Fourth, we must all remember that we are part of a family!
All of us, both those in the know and those who are weak in faith, have but one “ Father” (v. 6). Every member of the Church is, for each of us, “ the brother for whom Christ died” (v. 11), and “ my brother” (v. 13). No one with Christ’s love filling their hearts would deliberately do anything to hurt, much less destroy, their own brother and, thereby, “ sin against Christ” Himself! Brotherly affection must motivate everything said and done in the Church!
Finally, love is the ultimate solution to the threat of disunity!
A few chapters later, the Apostle Paul will supply his readers with the most magnificent description of love ever penned! And in chapter 13 he tells us two things about love that directly impact his message in chapter 8.
First, this “ love” is “ not arrogant” (v. 4). It is not boastful about anything, except the grace of God! The one who loves is never proud of what he or she knows, for such a one has already figured out that all knowledge comes as a gift from God, and is, at best, incomplete in this age.
Then, “ love,” he says, “ does not seek its own” (v. 5). That is, love does not insist on having things its way. And we might say that those who love do not insist that everybody agree with them on everything. Love makes room for others.
So here is my encouragement for this good Monday:
Whether we are strong or weak in the Lord . . .
Let us major on the majors.
Let us put the welfare of others first.
Let us determine to serve one another in the great love of Christ.
Let us see each other as dearly beloved brothers and sisters.
Let us all guard the unity of the Lord’s Church by becoming better lovers of our Lord and one another.
And, regardless of what this pandemic ultimately proves to be, let us joyfully receive this difficult providence from our Father, knowing that He has sent it for His glory and our good!
I love you all so dearly! What a wonderful Body of Christ you are!
Mike