Today’s text (1Corinthians 10:22-23) deals with a topic that we rarely if ever worry about today: Eating meat sacrificed to idols. But today’s text also deals with a rule that Christians should be following today: The rule of love. Love is considerate and puts others before self (1Corinthians 13). Love sacrifices for the sake of others (1John 3:16-17). God is Love (1John 4:8). God demonstrated His love through Christ (Romans 5:8). If we are to follow Christ we must walk by the rule of love.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:3-8, NKJV.

Excerpts from today’s text: You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others…

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24; 31-11:1 (NLT)

 In this world of hatred and discord, walk in love!

Pastor Mike