Once upon a time, our forefathers, the children of Israel, journeyed through a passage that God Himself had carved in the heart of the Red Sea. Guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, they journeyed into their freedom. Traversing through the sea, they received a spiritual baptism, united under the leadership of their shepherd, Moses. All of them were nourished by the same divine manna, a heavenly bread from the sky, and they drank from the same spiritual drink that flowed from a rock, and this rock was Christ.
But despite these miracles and the divine provision, God was displeased with the majority of them. They lusted after evil desires and worshipped idols, indulging in revelry and wickedness. Many of them put God to the test and grumbled against Him. They fell in the wilderness, paying the price for their transgressions. But these events serve as a reminder, lessons written down for our benefit so that we do not repeat their mistakes.
Beware, brethren; the same temptations that overcame our forefathers can befall us too. We are not immune. But take heart, God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, and He will always provide a way out so that you can endure it.
In this light, flee from the idolatry, the dabbling in the empty rituals of idols. All of us, though many, form one body, for we partake of the one loaf, the body of Christ. The cup of blessing that we bless, isn’t it a communion in the blood of Christ? Food sacrificed to idols means nothing, nor does the idol itself. These are offered not to God, but to demons, and we are to have no part in the table of demons.
Although all things are allowed, not all things that are permissible are beneficial. We must prioritize the edification and welfare of others. We live in a shared world, a world belonging to God, bountiful and abundant in its provision. Consume with a clear conscience, but keep in mind the feelings of others. Your freedom should not become a stumbling block for your brother’s faith.
Therefore, let your actions reflect the glory of God, whatever you eat, or drink, or whatever you do. Live your life in a way that it does not cause harm to others, whether they are Jews or Greeks or the Church of God. Seek not your own profit, but the welfare and salvation of many. Be wise in your judgement and let love be our greatest commandment and responsibility.
