1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (NRSV)
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Chapter 8Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Verse 2Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; Verse 3but anyone who loves God is known by him.
Verse 4Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "no idol in the world really exists," and that "there is no God but one." Verse 5Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth-as in fact there are many gods and many lords- Verse 6yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Verse 7It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Verse 8"Food will not bring us close to God." We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Verse 9But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. Verse 10For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? Verse 11So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. Verse 12But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Verse 13Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.
Devotion
This day brings me to my 70th birthday. I see nothing special about 70. And, I haven't approached this day with any great trauma.
I recall my 50th birthday. At that time, I experienced some consternation as it dawned on me that I wasn't going to accomplish all my dreams. Accepting this reality was a healthy experience. At age 64, in the beginning of retirement, I was quite concerned about what I could do to make a significant difference in Christian service. I discovered that searching for things to do was unnecessary — I had more opportunities than time.
In 1 Corinthians 8, the Apostle Paul states: "There is one God for whom we exist.” These words suggest that we are placed in this world to honor and serve God. We exist for his purposes. So on this 70th birthday, I shall give thanks to God for life and seek His guidance for continued service.
Prayer
God, help us to celebrate life and give service to you.