Putting Others First

1 Corinthians 8:12 (Php) - "And when you sin like this and damage the weak consciences of your brethren you really sin against Christ." 

We are so self-absorbed that we rarely ever see the effects of our sin upon other people. We look only at ourselves. However, we are challenged by God to be aware and concerned with those around us and how we affect them. The second greatest commandment - as given by Jesus - says that we are to love those around us as we love ourselves. If we truly kept this commandment we could never be content to put a stumbling block in the way of others.

In the chapter from which our verse for today comes, Paul was telling the Corinthian believers that their choice to eat meat offered to idols was not sinful in and of itself, however - and this is the important point he was trying to make - their choice to eat this meat was harming those who had a weaker level of faith and understanding. He told them that this was a sin against Christ. What we choose to do affects others - sometimes to their detriment. If it does, we are called to not do what we can see as being harmful.

One commentator said that this could be brought up to the 21st century in the realm of social drinking. While some will make a case that their drinking was permissible, Paul would remind them that "And when you sin like this and damage the weak consciences of your brethren you really sin against Christ." What a strong statement.

We need to muse today over what we do that is hindering others, and make a commitment to Jesus that we will stop doing whatever is a stumbling block or hindrance to others.