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Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. I Corinthians 8:9

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(running time 2 minutes 13 seconds)

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In Corinthians chapter 8 we see that Paul is talking about food.  Specifically, he is talking about food sacrificed to idols.  We don’t have much in the way of context in our modern world to relate.

Basically, Jews believed that food sacrificed to an idol, you were indirectly involved in worshipping that idol.  When they became Christian, they still would not eat that food.  Gentiles, the rest of us, did not see it as worshipping idols.

Paul used this major issue of his day to talk about unification within the church.  He starts off by talking about knowledge.  He says “Knowledge puffs up with love builds up.”  This is a huge issue today.

How many times has someone just had to make a comment about what someone else was doing?  As Christians, we are not here on this earth as moral police.  We are here to help bring people to Christ.  Correcting someone based on knowledge is not a good bridge to bring them to Christ. The bridge of love is a much better path.

Paul points out that the issue is not about other gods.  The issue is about how we think about our actions.  Our conscience is what makes us decide the best course of action for ourselves, not for others.

That bears repeating.  Conscience is what helps us decide what is best for ourselves.  It is not meant to correct others around us.

Paul then really nails the point home in verse 8.  It is not about the meat.  It is about what is bringing us closer to God.  If not eating meat brings us closer to God, then don’t eat meat.  If eating meat brings us closer to God, then eat meat.

Paul ends the chapter by talking about our responsibilities.  We are not supposed to be a stumbling block for those who are weaker in the faith, or those who have yet to make a decision for Christ.  God wants us to act responsibly.

As business owners, we have a responsibility to act as if we are representing Christ because we are. We are to treat others with gentleness, respect and love.  We sometimes set the example for what a Christian is supposed to be in this world.

If you are doing something that is causing someone else to question their faith, you need to stop.  Be aware of how your actions are helping or hurting others.  You have a great responsibility that comes from your influence as a business owner.  Use it wisely and show the world the love of Christ and the wisdom of God.

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. I Corinthians 8:9

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