Central Truth

We are to avoid actions that may cause a fledgling or weaker Christian to stumble in his walk with the Lord. I believe we are also to live in a manner that will cause non-Christians to want to know why we are the way we are.

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Reflections

Well, this is a very tough passage for me because it is a reminder of how far I have to go to be a faithful servant to Jesus. There are so many ways to send the wrong message to those around me.

I became a Christian at an early age. I felt God tugging at me and just got up from my pew and marched down front where the pastor was waiting. It was pretty emotional for me and also a proud moment. Of course, this means I have no great conversion story like so many have. Yet, it was great to me. I took it very seriously and was perplexed by many of the adult church members who seemed to ignore the message of the sermons. The preacher would call smoking a sin, yet so many could hardly wait to light up as soon as they were out of the church doors. He said that we were not to judge one another, but I heard gossip and saw finger pointing. So were these folks not really Christians? Didn't they get it? As I grew older, I came to realize that they probably got it, but just like me, struggled to follow the Word.

For me, this passage is not just about eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. It is about walking with Jesus and trying to follow His lead. What would Jesus do in a long construction delay? I doubt He would be honking the horn or showing frustration to everyone around Him. More likely, He would get out of His car and offer water or other assistance to those in need. What would He do waiting in line at Wal-Mart behind a little old man who was having difficulty paying for his groceries? I don't think He would sigh and grumble to others in the line. 

It is about providing a good example about everything in life. So I should not over eat, drink too much, lose my self control, or provide an excuse for someone to do the wrong thing.  Boy, that is tough!
     

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Discussion Questions

1. Does this passage say that we should not eat meat ?
2. How does this passage relate to our daily lives while we surf the internet, have a glass of wine, deal with our neighbors' unruly kids or their barking dog? How do we respond when our daughter brings home a long haired, pierced, and tattooed boy ? 
3. How should we deal with gossip and people passing judgment ?
4. What should we do when we see a wrong being committed ?

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