Monday 23 February 2015

Psalm: Psalm115

Background

Paul is speaking into a context where the meat from animals thathad been sacrificed was often sold in local markets. Whether it wasthen acceptable for Christians to eat the meat of animals used assacrifices in idol worship was a matter of dispute. Some Christiansknew that because idols do not actually exist then there were noimplications of eating the meat of such animals. Nor would itindicate any concession to faith in idol worship. However, Paulpoints out that knowledgeable Christians may therefore come to feelsuperior to those who did worry about such matters.

A passage that reflects on food offered to idols may not be easyto immediately engage with today, but the principle underlying thespecific example that Paul uses is still relevant. He contrastsknowledge and love. Knowledge can bring freedom, but it can alsolead to superiority. True knowledge is about love. The knowledgethat God loves all of us is the beginning and the end.

In this case knowledge brings with it the freedom to eat themeat, but Paul urges consideration for the faith of others as aguideline in the exercise of this freedom. Those he is addressingcan also choose not to eat the meat, not because it willspiritually harm them, but out of consideration for the faith ofothers. Paul advocates choices that are for the good of the wholecommunity. We may have the freedom to make many choices, but thepassage encourages us to reflect on whether these choices aregrounded in knowledge or love. Faithful witness demonstrates aconcern for the faith journeys of others.

To Ponder

• What choices do you have to make that might impact on the faithof others?

• What principles do you consider when making yourdecisions?

• What kind of power do you have, and how do you try to exerciseit?