Not Offending in Our Behaviour

About food offered to idols: we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up. If anyone thinks he knows something, he doesn't know it as he ought to know it. But if anyone knows God, then he is known by Him. 1 Cor 8:1-3

Whenever we we approach relationships with what we know, or think we know and love is absent, we are puffed up, noisy gongs and clanging cymbals.

However, if we approach relationships with a genuine love and interest in the other person, then we are known by God. Isn't it interesting that we read in the gospels in the words of Jesus: "Depart from Me for I never knew you." This was His response to those who claim to have done great things in His name, but had failed to be known. We are known when we love. Yay!

When puffed up people try to approach me in this way I laugh and challenge them. I can be confronting. Last night when the puffed up businessman said we should work together he thought I would be flattered. I wasn't because my mandate is not his. He is carnal, a drunk, a man without Christ who needs salvation but not my office, or my body (which was his second motive). I told him he was too old for my office and that I was building a young team, which I am. He did the usual man thing accusing me of being intimidated by his ability go out- perform me. He does not know how I am motivated at all.

My mandate to save the man's soul does not require me to compromise my standards or integrity. I can trust the Lord to use me, just as I am. My love for my team motivates me, my love for my Lord motivates me. My love for my God sees me humbling myself under His hand and waiting on Him. He is my God, not money or power, or sex.

Even though I stood my ground, and some would see my stance as arrogant, well, maybe one did, I was not speaking in my own strength but that of my God. 

However, Paul was talking about arrogance, self-inflated knowledge and pride. This type of stuff does what it pleases and does not regard the weak in the team or the new members. We are accountable for our behaviour. The Corinthian church had members who bought the meat in the markets and often this meat had been offered to idols. Paul went on to say, "If you know about it, because you are told by someone who invites you to dinner, don't eat it so that you will not compromise your hosts conscience. You are free if your conscience allows you, in your own home. He was trying to help the Corinthians to see the importance of loving their brothers and sisters in their behaviour.