12/15/2023
1 Corinthians 8: 9-13 (NIV)
"9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall."
The knowledge and understanding of this passage should resonate in how we present ourselves before others, including what we fund. What we eat and drink is not just a local result of our sin but also a worldwide result of our sin. We can't blame those for the sin they are in when we promote it by simply throwing money at it. What we do to ourselves affects those around us. Once we become mindful and prevent that which causes our brethren to stumble, only then will we begin to see less and less in the jail logs and more wanting to help those who are conscience-weak.
Today and in the days to come for this month, I would like to ask you to become more aware of who you are and how you affect others. This being the final month of the year, give with a heart of gratitude. You are changing lives for the better. So, take the time to explore your home and donate what you can. Help families in need and support those who have less than you. Give them the opportunity to finish December in a healthy manner. Give to your local church and bless many families. Give to organizations so they can provide for the families in need.
Be a blessing and know, that God will bless you. Even if it is just a simple hug. Be a healthy steward.
