A GOOD USE OF WISDOM
“So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “Lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.” 1 Corinthians 8:4-7 NIV
Our theme scripture is an important reminder of the things that truly matter. It is very easy to carry superstitions and beliefs that stem from culture or long-held traditions, whether religious or cultural in origin. Yet this knowledge is not a license to disregard the essence of grace and freedom that Christ has afforded us at the cross.
Paul makes the distinction here: there is knowledge, and there is wisdom in how that knowledge is used.
Knowledge rightly tells us that an idol is nothing. It has no power, no life, no authority. The mature believer understands this. But wisdom considers the conscience of others who do not yet see so clearly.
Wisdom not only asks, “What am I free to do?” but “How will my freedom affect my brother?” This passage teaches us that spiritual maturity is not measured by how boldly we exercise our liberty, but by how carefully we guard the conscience of others.
The gospel frees us from fear, superstition, and bondage to man-made systems. But the gospel also binds us to love. And love often limits what knowledge says we are permitted to do. The careless use of truth can wound a tender conscience. The careless display of freedom can become a stumbling block. What is lawful may not always be helpful. What is true may not always be timely. What we know must always be governed by how we love.
Child of God, a good use of wisdom, then, is not merely knowing that idols are nothing, but knowing when to lay aside our rights for the sake of another’s soul. Christ did not use His freedom for Himself, but instead, He laid it down for us. Selah.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this wisdom. Teach me not only to know what is true, but to walk in wisdom with that truth. Guard me from using my freedom in ways that harm the conscience of others. Let love govern my liberty, and let your grace shape how I live before others, to the glory of your name. Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
• Philippians 2:3-5
• Jeremiah 10:5
