From the Pulpit...

Mere knowledge of what is right and wrong can manifest itself as a sort of pride in the knowing that never makes the transition into living. Only the knowledge that is humbly applied and motivated by love makes any difference. The Corinthians had knowledge, but it was marked by arrogance and a lack of service. In the early creedal statement, Paul beautifully asserts the triune God as the only self-sufficient being upon whom all else depends. As a people who have been given insight into this reality, why should Christians care about tin idols and the activity of pagan priests? God is the Creator and Sustainer of all! Christians have the responsibility to look beyond what they know to be right and wrong and examine how their exercise of freedom might influence the ministry and witness they have to those around them. There are two things to note about weaker brothers or sisters in Christ. First, they are the ones who legalistically toe the line on doubtful things and judge those who do not follow the same rules. Second, they are exactly that: brothers and sisters to fellow believers. Christian liberty must be tempered by love and concern for other believers. The mature, or stronger, believer know he or she has the freedom in Christ to do something-yet chooses not to for the sake of the one who has no yet found that freedom.