S) "9 But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak."
1 Corinthians 8:9 (NASB)
O) There was some debate in the church of Corinth, regarding food sacrificed to idols. Paul asserted that, because idols are not real (i.e., real gods), then the foods sacrificed to them don't really mean anything. So, he said that the food we eat doesn't really impact our relationship with God (vv.4-8). This is reflective, in a way, to what Jesus said regarding clean and unclean food (see Mark 7:18-20). But, Paul goes on to remind us of the concept of sinning against conscience. Specifically, if someone feels a conviction about eating foods sacrificed to idols, we should be sensitive to their convictions. If they express their concern, and we dismiss that concern, it could damage their conscience and negatively affect how they see other convictions of conscience about things that would certainly be sin.
A) The current-culture example that comes most immediately to mind, is alcohol. There are a great many groups of Christians who believe that all Christians should refrain from drinking alcohol. Despite the fact that there are no scriptures in the New Testament that forbid it, many people feel a conviction of conscience about it. Whether it is alcohol, secular music, a kosher diet, keeping a Sabbath day, or any other concept that convicts the conscience of a brother or sister in Christ, I need to be sensitive to them. At the same time, the reverse is true. I cannot allow the opinions of others to shape my own convictions. More than ever, I must rely solely on the Bible to instruct me about right and wrong, and let the truth of Scriptures shape my conscience. I don't want to be a stumbling block, and I don't want to stumble, either.
P) Father, You are perfect in Your judgment. I confess that often. Usually I think of that in terms of perfectly judging people as righteous through Christ, or unrighteous without Him. But, this whole passage reminds me that You are perfect in Your judgment of concepts. You have no opinions, only right judgments. You do not guess if something is good or bad, You declare it. You do not debate whether something is right or wrong, You determine it. No matter how complex the issue is, You know all of the factors and You know what the best outcome would be. In everything vital, everything critical to my righteousness, You made it plain in Scripture. Help me to hold fast to the Bible as the authority for understanding what You have already determined to be right and wrong, good and bad. Discipline me according to Your word, and keep me from forming my conscience around the opinions of other people. Let my conscience be shaped only from what You have declared. At the same time, let me be very careful not to damage the consciences of other people, especially my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let me view every encounter as an opportunity for love, compassion, and encouragement. Let me not be a stumbling block, in any way. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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