Knowledge as a Tool

I love this time of year. The weather, outdoor activities, and firing up the smoker to cook some BBQ ribs or chicken. During Michigan summers, many of us will attend a cookout or open house to gather for a meal and fellowship. In Corinth they would do similar types of gatherings, but these gatherings were based on idol worship. Meat would be sacrificed and “blessed” by false priests and then a public celebration meal would happen. People from all walks of life would gather, eat, and fellowship. This is the basis of the issue that bubbled up amongst the believers in Corinth. Some believers were attending these events, understanding that idols have no power, they are just stone and metal. This action was hurting the church because others were falling away back into idol worship because of the perceived acceptance of this false worship. Paul is trying to drive the point that you may have the right to do something, but should you do it at the cost of harming another person? Paul says you may have knowledge (you technically are right on this issue) but the use of this knowledge is hurting people. The challenge is to be wise: Would a mature believer want to hurt an immature believer? Of course not! Wisdom is the application of knowledge, using the knowledge of God’s commands and applying them in a way that glorifies God. Obviously, hurting someone doesn’t glorify God and is a poor use of the knowledge of God. We have been given spiritual liberty but with that liberty comes responsibility to use it in a way that honors God. Taking the Word of God, learning, understanding and applying it empowers me to be wise in my actions, glorifying God as a result. Will you take a moment and examine your actions of late? Are they glorifying God? I need to use my knowledge of God in a strategic way that builds up those around me.