I written before about my love for food. I have been asked what is my favorite. Well it depends, and I do not want to offend (wow, that rhymes). Peking duck is my favorite dish. The skin, the meat and the soup. However, when I am with my Indian relatives I am very happy with Indian curry and rice. When I am with my Malay friends, I am happy with their rice and lauk. Paul is saying the same thing. But before that he speaks about temptations.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Daily you will be tempted to do wrong. But God is there ready to help you overcome those temptations. At every turning point seek His face and understand His directions and you will not go wrong. And this applies even to small things like eating of food. In Corinth it became a serious matter because much of the meat sold and served has been presented to an Idol. What do you do?
If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness.”
Everything is permissible but not necessarily profitable. This is what I reflected on when reading 1 Corinthians 8. We need to exercise our freedom in love. It was an issue with the people of Corinth like it is in many communities around the world.
Father, help me be all things to all men so that I may win them to you for the glory of God and the salvation of their souls.
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