Day 3: Positive Influence Part III

How do we apply passages like 1 Corinthians 8 today? Perhaps the best way to look at it is to think about a topic that is (1) not an essential teaching within Christianity, and (2) may cause divisiveness among believers. 

One such conversation revolves around the consumption of alcohol. Some questions or statements that come up about this topic include:

• • Is it sinful to consume alcohol? 
  • It’s just a glass of wine with dinner. It’s not like I’m getting drunk. That’s not a bad thing, is it? 
  • My grandfather died of liver disease. There’s absolutely no good that comes from drinking alcohol.

‘Round and ‘round the conversation goes. Sometimes, one may even point to a specific scripture passage to make their point, while another will point to a different one to make theirs. 

This is one way to think about 1 Corinthians 8, though there are likely many, many more. How did Paul respond? In verse 9 he writes, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” As you read today, consider this: What are some other topics in which your rights could be a stumbling block for others?  

READING: 1 TIMOTHY 5:23, ECCLESIASTES 9:7, EPHESIANS 5:18, 1 CORINTHIANS 10:23-24

What do you think Paul meant when he wrote, “Be careful, that the exercise of your ‘rights’ does not become a stumbling block to the ‘weak?’” 

What are some other topics in which your rights could be a stumbling block for others?  

What other questions come to mind as you think through today’s reading? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Ezra 9 & 10

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that today’s reading has given me much to think about. I recognize that I’ve gotten hung-up on topics that are not central to the Christian faith, and have the potential to cause division among myself and others. But Father, I don’t want to be a person of division. My desire is to be a person of unity. Continue to help me be a person of peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.