Careful With Our Right

There are things that I have been granted that others may not have. I have the right to be called a child of God. That right also affords me things that may cause others to stumble in areas they have not grown strong.

“⁹But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” – 1 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)

Here Paul is referring to the idea of eating meat that had been used as a sacrifice. Those that are not strong in the faith, or who are not in the faith at all will find that to be something that is against the law and will therefore look unfavorably on those that eat. They will find themselves conflicted with what is right and how that fits into where they are and how they should proceed.

“¹³Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” – 1 Corinthians 8:13 (ESV)

I can see that Paul takes a stance to stay away from that which will make others stumble. If indeed there is someone that will or could make someone question, then it is wiser to simply stay away from it as opposed to try and explain. I may be strong enough to know the difference and understand that I answer to God and not man, they may not and it is my role to bring them closer to God and not drive them away.

I have to be careful with my right as given to me by God. I have to understand that those around me may be struggling with something and therefore may not be in control or know the full consequences of their actions. Whereas it is my responsibility to tell them and educate them, I should abstain in the moment while explaining and educating later when the temptation for them is not immediate.

I have rights that have been afforded to me by God and my relationship with him. Those rights are between God and me and I am the one that understands them. Until those around me are able to understand them, then I should be careful not to cause them to be tempted or to stumble.

When you are in the company of others, what thoughts do you have about them? Are you only concerned with yourself? What if you were more careful with your rights and guarded them to be between you and God until you are sure that others understood their rights?