Imagine

A friend of mine, Bob Geller posted the following verses from the Bible at his Facebook page. It so moved me to write the message I’ve posted behind the scripture. Thanks Bob for posting the words and wisdom's of The Holy Spirit through Paul.

“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (1 Corinthians 10:19-33)

One of the problems this passage addresses is that often times sacrificed meats were sold to the meat markets (shambles). The concern was that folks were buying meats unaware that it was used in a ritual sacrifice to some false god/idol. They obviously did not want to unintentionally sin by eating meats sacrificed to some false deity.

This is why Paul says, "Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake" (1 Cor.10:25).

He continues this idea when visiting and eating as a guest with an unbeliever. Paul tells us to not worry about the meat, if it was used in some pagan ceremony or sacrificed to a false god. Paul says, "whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake." (1 Cor.10:27).

But if someone tells you that it had been offered in sacrifice then we are to decline it, not for our sake. But for the sake of others watching. For although we know that “All things are lawful for me” it can be a stumbling block for someone else.  This is consistent with what Jesus commands us to do in loving our neighbor. It is our duty to look after the interests of other people. As Paul says, "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth." (1 Cor. 10:24). That’s no different than saying:

“Love thy neighbor”. The word love (agape) is defined as goodwill and benevolence towards others.

“Peace on earth and good will towards men” (Luke 2:14). The word goodwill (eudokia) is defined as love and benevolence towards others.

This theme of “Let no man seek his own”, to “Love thy neighbor” and “good will towards man” runs throughout the Bible in the word, “Love”.

Love in the form of care and interest in others aren’t just some nice ideas or quaint suggestions. Behind having one God and loving that one God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength; our care, treatment, and attitude towards other people, our “love”, is our one purpose on this earth. Love is so important that an entire chapter of the Bible is dedicated to it, 1 Corinthians 13.

The passage in 1 Corinthians by Paul is about nothing other than love for our fellow man.

Imagine what the world would be like if our present-day social justice warriors adopted this Godly love. If they removed self-interest and special-interests and replaced it with God’s interests of care, concern, well-being, and responsibility of others, all others and not just the interests that serves themselves best. Imagine if our modern-day social justice warriors loved, uplifted and edified those around them.

There are no riots, rock throwing, fights, beatings, and name calling with God’s love. There is no destruction, defamation, and hate with God’s love.

Paul speaks of what is expedient (helpful) and what will edify others. He states very clearly and specifically “Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth”.

Paul is concerned over the other persons conscience, their soul. Again, Paul is very specific in giving a command, “Give none offence”.

Imagine a modern-day social justice warrior that gave no, “offence”. Imagine these same politically correct social justice warriors if they were like Paul, as a Christian is to be and did, “not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many”

Imagine.

Bill Hitchcock