The issue of eating food sacrificed to idols is something that few of us can relate to but in the first century it was a very significant issue for the young church. Objectively speaking there is no harm with eating food dedicated to an idol. But in the minds of many converts from paganism there was a strong mental and emotional association between food and idolatrous worship. They therefore found it difficult to partake of food dedicated to pagan gods and not feel as though they were being drawn back into their old life. The issue here is not so much with food and drink but their association with a wrong way of life. When a person begins a new life as a Christian there will often be certain things that, while not wrong in themselves, have such a strong association with the old life that they should indeed be avoided. As Christians we must be sensitive to the associations of our culture. For example, some people, because of their past, should avoid alcohol, while, for others, this is not an issue. We must be aware of, and sensitive to, these people, lest, in the exercise of our freedom, we cause them to stumble. Life is not just about you, it is about the effect that you have on others, and that effect is greater than you might think.
Think first about this issue in relation to your own Christian experience. Then prayerfully consider where you need to develop more sensitivity.
Read 1 Corinthians 8
