882 Rights as Stumbling Blocks - 1 Corinthians 8-9

Do our rights cause others to stumble? Are there areas where this might be true in your life? "But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." 1 Corinthians 8:9 Paul is talking about meat sacrificed to idols. However in current days, this may be more true in the area of alcohol or marijuana. The Bible doesn't condemn alcohol. It speaks very sharply about the misuse of alcohol. I was an active drinker in college and beyond. But after I became a Christian, alcohol had less and less of a pull on me. Food or alcohol or sobriety doesn't commend us to God. But I believe we're here for a purpose. I'm not sure alcohol or drugs facilitate that purpose. In fact, I'm pretty sure they do not. Since a policeman, or a fireman, or a doctor or a pilot can't do their job once they've had a drink, I don't believe I can do my job under the influence of alcohol either. And my job is simply to help others move one notch closer to Jesus. Our rights can be a stumbling block to others. I have to remember that. I have the right to do what I want with my money. I have the right to drink whatever I want as long as it's legal. But in the end, it's not what's best for others. Today, ask God if you are claiming something as a right that might otherwise be a stumbling block for others. Let's remember our job is to minister in our workplaces. Minister just means serve. Are you willing to ask God to show you need to improve as a member of his team of marketplace ministers? Ask him and then act on what he says. He'll manage the rest of it. And then join us in the online community. Head over to https://community.followerofone.org and create a free account. And then join us on the next marketplace Mission Trip. Let's help everyone we meet move one notch closer to Jesus.