November 10 - Puff Up or Build Up

 Read today’s texts first: Job 35,36; 1 Corinthians 7,8

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Just because something is within our rights,
doesn’t make it the right thing to do.

“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (8:1a).  Paul knew that there was nothing wrong with eating meat once offered to idols.  Idols aren’t real gods, so there is nothing sacrilegious or dangerous about eating their leftovers.  But knowledge about our freedom in Christ is not the deciding factor when it comes to conduct – love is.  Paul contends that if someone’s conscience is offended or compromised by our actions, we should refrain.  In other words, just because something is within our rights, doesn’t make it the right thing to do.  Love is the ultimate rule of conduct.

Because I was raised in a Christian home and stayed close to my roots, I arrived at this stage of the journey with a carry-on backpack.  Others around me, though, are lugging around some serious baggage. Some of it they picked up themselves - the consequences of their own bad choices.  But a lot of it has been dumped on them by others.  Because of their wariness of sin and its power to drag them back into bondage, these road warriors set up pretty high guard rails to keep them on the straight and narrow.  In the past I’ve caught myself debating with them over their “legalism,” unaware that they have important personal reasons for their standards.  I often got into discussions with a coworker about which movies are appropriate for Christians (he thinks the Little Mermaid is unacceptable!)

I have set high standards for myself regarding some things, like drinking or gambling, because they can be stumbling blocks for some believers.  But I have often been insensitive in talking about other things, like the movies and TV shows I watch, without first evaluating the standards of those within earshot.

“Lord, may I never be cause for someone to violate their own conscience and fall back into patterns of sin.  Help me be truly sensitive and loving, appreciating where others may be on their journey, bearing as much of their burden as I can rather than adding to it.  May I be aware, before the hot air leaks out, when I’m puffing myself up.  Help me to select loving words that build others up instead!”