Grey Areas

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 8:1-4: “Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one”.

Observation:
The church of Corinth was facing some several issues that were dividing them as a church. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul addresses one that arose because pagans in Corinth believed meat was contaminated by demons. If a person ate meat without first having it cleansed of its demonic influence, then the evil attached to the meat would enter a person’s body when he/she ate it. The non-believer in Corinth would first take purchased meat to a pagan priest in order to have him remove the evil influence.

Once the meat was cleanse of its demonic influence, the person who purchased the meat would cook it and invite all his/her neighbors to a feast. The Christian community was divided over whether or not the meat was acceptable to eat. Weak believers refused to eat the meat. Strong believers accepted the invitation to eat meat. Ultimately, Paul advised strong Christians to give up their rights to eat meat that had been offered as a sacrifice to pagan gods for the good of their weaker brothers and sisters.

Application:
These grey areas can be tricky. I can relate to the struggles that were going on in the church of Corinth. I know there have been times when I knew something was not a “sin” but I had to stop and ask myself what others who may not feel the same way would say. Would it cause them to doubt my relationship with Christ? Would it cause them to question my character? There are even times as a mother I have to be careful because my four-year old picks up on everything. If I say it, you better believe she will be repeating it in the next 24 hours and usually it is repeated to teacher, neighbor, friend or family member. I believe this is what Paul was instructing the church of Corinth to be aware of. If there is something that can cause another to doubt my character or my authenticity as a believer, then I should also give up my rights like Paul instructed Christians of Corinth.

Prayer:
Lord, help me not be a hindrance or distraction to others in their walk with you. Allow me to be sensitive to your teachings and guidance when grey areas arise in my life that could cause others to question my relationship with you.

— Emily Suggs, children’s minister, Madison/Ridgeland campus