1 Corinthians 8:8 (KJV)
But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

If it is appropriate to liken the eating of meat to our standards of personal separation, and I believe it is, then what we see here is that these standards of separation have little bearing on our relationship with God. So far as God is concerned, the one who ate the meat was neither better nor worse than the one who did not. The one who did not eat the meat was neither better nor worse than the one who did not. The issue of standards is not between the believer and God at all.

The verses following clearly teach that the issue, a serious one, is between the believer and others, especially others believers.

1 Corinthians 8:9-11
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

The key to the passage is in verse eleven, “the weak brother perish.” That it speaks of a believer is apparent in the word “brother.” The word perish does not mean, in this case, go to hell or perhaps even die. It means his own spiritual walk is killed. He becomes discouraged, disheartened. This one who had such potential for bearing fruit for God becomes stunted, barren and spiritually lifeless.

Consider your own history as a Christian. Have you not seen one who seemed so on fire for God get swept away into worldliness and a less useful Christian service because someone convinced them they were good enough without being sold out for Christ? I have watched people who were once faithful and involved in the ministry make friendships with others less faithful and involved and they then grow less faithful and involved. They did not stop being Christians. They did not lose their salvation. But they did die to their once enthusiastic service to the Lord.

Take heed that your own sense of liberty doesn’t kill someone else’s sense of sacrificial service to Jesus.

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

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1 Corinthians 8:8 (KJV) When Liberty Kills

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