Deeper Life #38

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

—1 Corinthians 10:31

IF AN INDIVIDUAL SAYS HE will be offended because I wear a necktie, or drink tea, or eat meat, then let him be offended. It is moral courage to ignore such bondage. But if I find that my wearing a necktie, or drinking tea, or eating meat makes any brother or sister to stumble, then I will never do those things again.

Offense arises from wounded personal opinion. Stumbling arises from following another person you love, rather than following Christ.

Most of our “isms” have arisen from following the prescribed limitations of someone’s personal convictions, instead of the Lord. Most of these “isms” have a logical and sensible basis. Take “vegetarianism” for an example. A lot can be said in favor of it; but it becomes a law to me if I make it a standard for judgment of others.

Consequently, I put myself in a place where I cannot fulfill the rules of spiritual convictions as cited by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10.

Prayer Thought: May I not cause another to stumble, Lord.

SUGGESTED READING: 1 Corinthians 10:23–33