Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Still my mind, Lord, and let me hear you.
In the Greco-Roman world, no one batted an eyelid if you added a deity that was special to you, so long as you continued to worship the whole pantheon of gods. What set believers in Christ on a collision course was their insistence that he alone was worthy of reverence, whereas all other deities were false idols.
Some Corinthian Christians argued that, since idols weren’t real, it was alright to eat meat from animals that had been ritually slaughtered as part of pagan idol worship. Others in the church were more hesitant: wasn’t this a way of consenting to pagan rites?
Paul was less concerned about which position was correct, and more concerned that those who felt confident to eat the meat were troubling the consciences of those who had reservations. ‘Be careful not to let your freedom of action make those who are weak in the faith fall into sin’ (verse 9); a timeless principle that has remained relevant, long after meat dedicated to idols ceased to be an issue.
Lord, may my behaviour reflect my respect for my fellow-believer’s conscience.
This reflection was written by Michael Pfundner, Bible Society's Publishing Support Manager
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